Festival of Cherries

Cerisiers, a rural village in Pays d'Othe

Cerisiers is a commune of less than 1,000 inhabitants located in the Pays d'Othe, halfway between Sens and Troyes, in the south of the Yonne department. This hedgerow and forest landscape, whose name is said to come from the wild cherries ('cerises sauvages') that once covered its hills, is characterized by meadows, oak forests, and orchards, giving it a strong and endearing rural identity.

The village of Cerisiers has a Saint-Pierre church from the 16th century, a beautiful town hall-school, and a village hall that are the community's gathering places. It is around these spaces that the Comité des Fêtes de Cerisiers (Festival Committee) organizes the summer festivities each year, mobilizing about twenty volunteers dedicated to maintaining the tradition of the village festival.

The Festival of July 13th and 14th

The Festival of Cerisiers is traditionally held around July 14th, France's national day, which adds an extra dimension to the celebrations. The program, simple and authentic, embodies the conviviality of village festivals in rural France.

On the evening of July 13th, a torchlight procession winds through the village streets. Organized in front of the town hall, this torchlight procession is accompanied by crêpes and cider served to participants. The flames and songs create a unique atmosphere in the alleys of Cerisiers, blending republican spirit and community warmth.

On July 14th, starting at noon, a meal on the promenades brings together residents and visitors around long tables set up outdoors. This festive meal, prepared and served by the volunteers of the Festival Committee, is a moment of generous sharing where everyone can meet neighbors, family, and friends. The affordable price (around 20 euros for adults, 10 euros for children) ensures a popular festival open to all.

Afternoon Activities

Starting at 3 PM, activities take over the village:

• Pétanque competition open to all skill levels, in the pure tradition of village festivals
• Inflatable structures and giant games for the delight of children
• Duck fishing and can toss, essential classics of village fairs
• Refreshment stand operated for the benefit of local firefighters
• Background music

The Cerisiers Festival Committee, the soul of the festival

The Comité des Fêtes de Cerisiers is an association of about twenty volunteers whose mission is to liven up the village throughout the year. The national holiday is their flagship event, but the committee also organizes cultural outings, parties, and other occasional events. Its vitality reflects the associative commitment that characterizes small rural communes in the Yonne region, where residents enthusiastically and generously take charge of their village's life.

The Festival of Cerisiers is a perfect example of what sociology refers to as the rural social bond: in a context of demographic decline and competition from digital entertainment, these local events play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the cohesion of rural communities and passing on a taste for collective life to new generations.