Fêtes de la Sainte-Bernadette

Bernadette Soubirous, a figure of Lourdes

The history of Lourdes is intimately linked to that of Bernadette Soubirous, an extraordinary figure of the 19th century. In 1858, at the Grotto of Massabielle, the Virgin Mary appeared to her 18 times. The young Bernadette, then 14 years old, became the messenger of these apparitions which transformed Lourdes into one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in the world. She entered religious life in 1866 and died at 35, being canonized on December 8, 1933. Her feast day is celebrated on February 18, the date of the third apparition.

A rich program of discoveries

Organized jointly by the City of Lourdes and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the festivals extend over several days around February 18. The program includes:

• A torchlight procession from the Sacred Heart church to the Grotto, followed by a candlelit rosary in the presence of the relics of Saint Bernadette
• A solemn mass at the Sanctuary
• Immersive guided tours of 19th-century Lourdes
• The presentation of Bernadette's letter at the Château fort-Musée pyrénéen
• Narrated walks retracing Bernadette's life
• Conferences and screenings

2026 Edition: "Water, Source of Life"

The 2026 edition is themed "Water, source of spiritual, social, and economic life". The events explore the link between water and the identity of Lourdes: thermal heritage, pastoralism, tourism, and of course the miraculous spring of the Grotto.