Fête du Muguet

A tradition since 1934

The Fête du Muguet in Le Poinçonnet is one of the oldest popular festivals in the Indre department. Since 1934, this festive event has celebrated the arrival of spring and the May 1st lily of the valley, transforming this town on the southern outskirts of Châteauroux into a place of celebration and conviviality for four days.

The parade of flower floats, the highlight of the festival

The most anticipated moment of the Fête du Muguet is the parade of flower floats, which traditionally takes place on May 1st. The procession starts from the water tower at 2:45 PM and parades through the town streets to the Mail de la Forêt, where it arrives around 4:30 PM. Five floats decorated with crepe paper flowers, prepared for months by the volunteers of the Comité des Fêtes, parade accompanied by bands, musical groups, and majorettes. Miss Berry and Miss Centre regularly participate in this parade, adding a touch of glamour to this colorful procession.

Considerable preparation work

The construction and decoration of the floats mobilize the volunteers of the Comité des Fêtes for several months. Each day, volunteers dedicate two hours to preparing the floats, meticulously gluing crepe paper flowers onto the structures. This delicate work requires patience and skill, as the slightest drop of rain can damage the decorations, making the weather a crucial factor on the day of the parade.

Four days of festivities

The Fête du Muguet extends over four days, from May 1st to 4th, with a varied program:

• Thursday, May 1st: the grand parade of flower floats with bands and majorettes.
• Friday: a dancing dinner (steak-frites evening) with musical entertainment.
• Saturday: dancing evening, torchlight procession at 10 PM, and fireworks at 10:30 PM.
• Sunday: entertainment for children with costumed characters and shows.

The funfair on the Mail de la Forêt

Throughout the four days, a funfair is set up on the Mail de la Forêt, in the heart of Le Poinçonnet. Rides, game stalls, sweets, and fairground attractions create a festive atmosphere that delights young and old alike. This traditional funfair is one of the major attractions of the event, drawing visitors from the entire Châteauroux area and beyond.