Fête des Grattons de Châteaumeillant

The Fête des Grattons is the major event in Châteaumeillant, a centuries-old tradition dating back over three hundred years. Its origin is said to date back to the last great plague epidemic that ravaged the region in 1689. The name of the festival comes from an old custom: children used to throw "grattons" (prickly burdock fruits) at women's clothes. Today, grattons have been advantageously replaced by confetti.

Every year, on the first weekend of September, Châteaumeillant lives to the rhythm of this great popular festival which unfolds over three days:

Saturday

Sports tournaments open to all and soapbox derby. In the evening, braised beef dinner for gourmets.

Sunday

Highlight of the festival with the producers' and winegrowers' market in the morning, followed in the afternoon by the traditional parade of decorated floats and brass bands that crosses the town in a festive and colorful atmosphere.

Monday

One of the oldest cycling races in the department concludes these three days of festivities.

The Fête des Grattons also celebrates local gastronomy and wines, Châteaumeillant being a wine-producing town with its AOC grey and red wines.