Fête des Allumoirs

A centuries-old Northern tradition

The Fête des Allumoirs is one of the oldest and most emblematic traditions of Northern France. Celebrated for over 150 years in the region's textile towns, this autumn festival marks the beginning of the season when weavers and textile workers had to light their lamps to work, as the days shortened with the approach of winter.

The lantern procession

At the heart of the festival is the lantern procession, a magical parade where children and families walk through the streets of Mons-en-Barœul carrying handmade lanterns. Traditionally, these lanterns were made from terracotta pots or hollowed out from turnips or pumpkins, filled with embers sprinkled with incense grains. Participants swing them like thuribles to keep the flame alive and perfume their passage.

The Allumoirs song

Throughout the procession, participants sing the traditional song: "Viv' les allumoirs, ma mère, viv' les allumoirs. On les allume quand il fait noir, viv' les allumoirs !" (Long live the allumoirs, my mother, long live the allumoirs. We light them when it's dark, long live the allumoirs!). This popular song, passed down through generations, accompanies the procession led by a folk music group.

Lantern distribution

The evening begins with the free distribution of lanterns at the Fort de Mons, allowing every child to participate in the luminous procession. This moment of sharing symbolizes the transmission of this tradition to new generations and creates a magical atmosphere from the start of the festival.

Fire shows and illuminations

After the parade, the festival continues at the Écoparc du Barœul with a program of pyrotechnic shows and illuminations. Fire artists offer spectacular performances, creating a link between the tradition of the allumoirs' flames and contemporary performing arts.

Fireworks

The highlight of the evening, fireworks, concludes the Fête des Allumoirs in a dazzling finale. Launched from the Écoparc, they light up the sky of Mons-en-Barœul and bring the entire community together in a moment of shared wonder.

La Brigade des Tubes

La Brigade des Tubes, a festive and participatory musical group, animates the procession and accompanies participants throughout. Their infectious energy contributes to the warm and friendly atmosphere that characterizes this popular festival.

A living heritage

The Fête des Allumoirs testifies to the richness of the intangible heritage of Northern France. By perpetuating this tradition, the town of Mons-en-Barœul keeps alive a precious link with the region's textile history and passes on a unique cultural legacy to younger generations.