Fête d'Arêches

A popular festival born in 1960

The Fête d'Arêches was established in 1960 at the initiative of the Prefect of Savoie to commemorate the centenary of the annexation of Savoy to France. The mayor of Arêches at the time, Joseph Blanc-Gonnet, organized the first edition, featuring a parade and a reenactment of village life from days gone by. The event was such a success that a Festival Committee was formally established in 1963 by Joseph Vibert to ensure the longevity of this now-essential tradition.

The grand float parade

The heart of the Fête d'Arêches is its spectacular float parade. More than 10 floats, crafted by village residents, parade through the streets of Arêches, offering meticulous recreations of scenes from traditional mountain life: field work, cheese making, haymaking, and evening gatherings by the fire. Participants don traditional Savoyard costumes, keeping a sartorial heritage alive that has been passed down through generations.

Living folklore and traditions

The festival is much more than just a parade. Folk groups such as the Clickaine, the Citharins, the Berres, or the Pastourelle du Val d'Arly bring the day to life with traditional songs and dances. The confetti battle adds a touch of popular joy, while the grand open-air ball on the Place du Capitaine Bulle keeps the party going under the stars. A fireworks display, launched from "la grosse pierre" above the village, punctuates this festive day.

Polenta and diots: the Savoyard feast

Gastronomy plays a central role in the Fête d'Arêches. The famous polenta with diots (sausages), prepared over a wood fire by volunteers, is the event's signature dish. During the 2022 edition, no fewer than 850 portions were served, accompanied by 250 portions of tartiflette and 150 kg of fries. The traditional raffle, 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 come together every year to prepare the floats, make the costumes, cook, and manage the entertainment. As one local resident puts it: "It's like Obelix; I fell into it when I was little." This deep-rooted community spirit, passed down from generation to generation, makes this festival a living expression of Beaufortain identity.