Fêtes de la Sainte-Bernadette
Annual celebration in homage to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes
About Bernadette Festival
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.
Bernadette Festival — edition 2026
Bernadette Festival 2026
The 2026 edition is themed "Water, source of spiritual, social, and economic life". From February 17 to 21, 2026, Lourdes celebrates Saint Bernadette.
- Tuesday, February 17 at 8:30 PM: Procession from the Saint-Michel gate to the Grotto, followed by a candlelit rosary in the presence of the relics of Saint Bernadette
- Saturday, February 21 at 10 AM and 2:30 PM: Guided tours "Water History in Lourdes"
- Saturday, February 21 at 4:30 PM: Conference-slide show "The Hautes-Pyrénées through Water" at the Palais des Congrès
Programme Bernadette Festival 2026
Program
- Tuesday, February 17 – 8:30 PM: Procession (Saint-Michel gate → Grotto) and candlelit rosary
- Saturday, February 21 – 10 AM and 2:30 PM: Guided tours "Water History in Lourdes"
- Saturday, February 21 – 4:30 PM: Conference-slide show at the Palais des Congrès
Highlights Bernadette Festival 2026
Highlights
- Torchlight procession with relics of Saint Bernadette
- 2026 Theme: "Water, source of spiritual, social, and economic life"
- Guided tours "Water History in Lourdes"
- Conference-slide show on the Hautes-Pyrénées through water
Prices Bernadette Festival 2026
Practical information — Bernadette Festival
Access
Lourdes is located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, about 40 km from Tarbes.
- By car: A64 then N21 towards Lourdes. Parking in the city center and at the Sanctuary.
- By train: Lourdes SNCF station.
- By plane: Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport.
Prices
All events are free. Reservations recommended for guided tours.
Contact
- Lourdes Tourist Office: 05 62 42 77 40
- Château fort-Musée pyrénéen: 05 62 42 37 37
- Lourdes Town Hall: 05 62 94 65 65
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Where does it take place — Bernadette Festival
Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes et centre-ville
Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes, 65100 Lourdes