Fête de la Mer de Dives-sur-Mer

A Maritime Tradition Rooted in the Dives Estuary

Every summer, Port Guillaume in Dives-sur-Mer comes alive for the Fête de la Mer, a popular event that pays tribute to sailors and celebrates the maritime heritage of the Norman coast. Organized by the Association des Fêtes de l'Estuaire de la Dives (AFED), this festival is one of the highlights of the summer season in Calvados.

Ceremonies and Maritime Traditions

The program begins with the official opening of the Fête de la Mer at 11 am, followed by an ecumenical service in memory of lost sailors. A procession of model boats is organized, accompanied by a wreath-laying ceremony at the fishermen's quay stele. The highlight of the ceremony is the parade of decorated boats with fishermen and the SNSM (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer), followed by the blessing of the boats.

Animations and Festivities Throughout the Day

From 10 am to 6:30 pm, visitors can enjoy boat trips in the basin, maritime exhibitions, rescue dog demonstrations, and model shipbuilding. On-site catering and a musical atmosphere with sea shanties and the Pipe Band liven up the port from 11:30 am to 9 pm. The Société des Régates de la Dives also organizes the Guillaume nautical parade, recalling the history of William the Conqueror who embarked from Dives in 1066.

A Free Event at the Heart of Norman Heritage

Admission is free and the festival is open to all. The exceptional setting of Port Guillaume, a modern marina nestled in the historic Dives estuary, provides an ideal backdrop for this maritime celebration. Families can discover maritime professions, local fishing traditions, and the heritage of this historic Norman town.