Festival des Gohelliades

The Gohelliades: The Festival of Heritage and Know-How of Gohelle

Since 1984, the Gohelliades have been celebrating the identity and know-how of the Gohelle region, at the foot of the twin slag heaps of Fosse 11/19, the highest in Europe (186 meters). Created by a team gathered around Marcel Caron, this popular festival has become the annual event for cultural and festive life in Loos-en-Gohelle.

A Rich and Diverse Program

For about ten days around Pentecost, the Gohelliades offer a varied program:

• Musical Performances: Free concerts on the main stage, showcasing local and regional talent.
• Ducasse: The traditional funfair with its rides and stalls is set up for the Pentecost weekend.
• Parade: A festive procession goes through the town's streets, bringing together associations, schools, and residents.
• Artisan Fair: Local artisans exhibit and sell their creations, from woodworking to ceramics and local products.

Nature and Mining Heritage

The Gohelliades particularly highlight the natural heritage of the region, with a focus on the biodiversity of the slag heaps:

• Guided Tours of the Slag Heaps: Discover the exceptional flora and fauna that colonize these artificial reliefs.
• Birdwatching Outings: Observe birds in the agricultural plains and on the slag heaps.
• Night Discovery: Observe twilight fauna, bats, and nesting birds in the town.

Rooted in UNESCO Mining Heritage

Loos-en-Gohelle is an emblematic town of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012. The Gohelliades contribute to the valorization of this heritage and the transmission of mining memory, while celebrating the renewal of a territory focused on sustainable development and ecological transition.

An Anniversary Festival in 2024

In 2024, the Gohelliades celebrated their 40th anniversary, demonstrating the longevity and attachment of the inhabitants to this event, which has evolved with the times while remaining true to its values: conviviality, sharing, and pride in local heritage.