Fête d'Arêches

A popular festival born in 1960

The Fête d'Arêches was born in 1960 on the initiative of the prefect of Savoie, to commemorate the centenary of Savoy's attachment to France. The mayor of Arêches at the time, Joseph Blanc-Gonnet, organized the first edition with a parade and a recreation of life in the village in the past. The event was so successful that a Festival Committee was formally created in 1963 by Joseph Vibert to perpetuate this essential tradition.

The grand parade of floats

The heart of the Fête d'Arêches is its spectacular parade of floats. More than 10 floats made by the villagers parade through the streets of Arêches, meticulous recreations of scenes from mountain life in the past: farm work, cheese making, haymaking, fireside evenings. Participants wear traditional Savoyard costumes, perpetuating a clothing heritage passed down from generation to generation.

Living folklore and traditions

The festival is more than just a parade. Folk groups such as the Clickaine, the Citharins, the Berres, or the Pastourelle du Val d'Arly liven up the day with traditional dances and songs. The confetti battle adds a touch of popular gaiety, while the evening ball at 10 PM extends the celebration under the stars. A fireworks display punctuates this festive day.

Polenta with diots: the Savoyard feast

Gastronomy plays a central role in the Fête d'Arêches. The famous polenta with diots, cooked over a wood fire by volunteers, is the emblematic dish of the event. During the 2022 edition, no less than 850 portions were served, accompanied by 250 portions of tartiflette and 150 kg of fries. The traditional tombola, with nearly 4,000 tickets sold, completes the village festival atmosphere.

A mobilized village

The Fête d'Arêches is the result of remarkable collective commitment. More than 200 volunteers mobilize each year to prepare the floats, make the costumes, cook, and ensure the entertainment. As one resident says: "It's like Obelix, I fell into it when I was little." This popular roots, passed down from generation to generation, makes this festival the living expression of the Beaufortain identity.