Fête du Hareng Roi d'Étaples

The Fête du Hareng Roi: A Tribute to Étaples' Maritime Traditions

Since 1994, Étaples-sur-Mer has celebrated herring every November, the fish that sustained generations of fishing families on the Côte d'Opale. The Fête du Hareng Roi, organized by the association des Fêtes Maritimes d'Étaples (FMA), is a moment of pride and sharing that perpetuates the memory of local maritime heritage.

Herring in the Spotlight

At the heart of the festival, the traditional preparation of herring is a true spectacle. Over the two days of the event, there are:

• 1,200 kippers (smoked herring) prepared by hand
• 3 tons of herring smoked on-site in traditional smokers
• 1,200 marinated herring with onions and spices

Visitors can taste herring in all its forms, accompanied by bread, butter, and a glass of white wine or local craft beer.

A Festive and Heritage Village

The festive village set up in the La Canche parking lot offers an immersion into the maritime world:

• Traditional Games: Discover games of yesteryear played by fishermen and their families.
• Craftsmanship: Demonstrations of old trades and presentation of artisanal products.
• Sea Shanties: Concerts by folk groups and sea shanty singers during meals.
• Maritime Heritage: Stands dedicated to maritime culture, navigation traditions, and the history of fishing in Étaples.

Activities for Families

A marine adventure trail set up on an old sailboat allows children to have a fun and educational experience. The Maréis center also hosts a regional herring scaling championship, an unusual and convivial spectacle.

A Popular Event Rooted in the Territory

With 10,000 to 15,000 visitors each year, the Fête du Hareng Roi has become a must-attend event on the Côte d'Opale. It contributes to the valorization of maritime heritage and the animation of the territory, in a festive, authentic, and generous spirit.