Fête de Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois

The National Holiday in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois

Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, a town in Essonne with nearly 36,000 inhabitants, offers an original and friendly National Holiday each year that goes off the beaten path. In 2025, the municipality has chosen a new format, transforming the evening into a large communal table under the summer sky.

The Esplanade du Donjon, heart of the celebration

It is on the Esplanade du Donjon, an emblematic square in the heart of the town, that residents gather starting at 6 PM. Tables and chairs are set up by the town to welcome families who arrive with their picnic baskets. The square, usually a place of passage, transforms into a huge open-air living room where a village festival atmosphere reigns.

The Republican Aperitif

At 7 PM, the town offers all attendees a republican aperitif, a symbolic moment of sharing and generosity that marks the municipality's commitment to living together. This simple yet powerful gesture allows every resident, regardless of their financial situation, to participate in the national celebration on an equal footing.

The Republican Banquet

At 8 PM, it's time for the republican banquet: everyone brings out their homemade meal, and the long table resonates with conversations, laughter, and good cheer. The town even launched a collection of vintage tablecloths to dress the tables, adding a retro and poetic touch to this popular event. This festive format reconnects with the tradition of the great republican banquets of the 19th century.

The Giant Karaoke

In the evening, a giant karaoke takes over to make all participants sing: French songs, popular anthems, and international hits follow one another in a relaxed and participatory atmosphere. This quirky and fun format appeals to all generations and remains in memory long after the evening.

Fireworks at Léo-Lagrange Stadium

At 11 PM, the fireworks are set off at the Léo-Lagrange rugby stadium, at the fairground parking lot. This pyrotechnic show magnificently concludes a colorful evening, under the applause of a large and captivated audience.