Fêtes Jean de La Fontaine

The Fêtes Jean de La Fontaine: a popular institution since 1853

Château-Thierry, the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine, pays homage to its illustrious fabulist every year in June through the Fêtes Jean de La Fontaine, affectionately nicknamed "the Fêtes à Jean" by the locals. This popular celebration, which has been successfully held for over 150 years, is one of the major events in the south of the Aisne and the Hauts-de-France region.

A rich history dating back to the Second Empire

The origin of the Fêtes dates back to 1853, when Empress Eugénie presented a white marble clock representing Jean de La Fontaine to the Société d'Arquebuse of Château-Thierry. Honored by this gift, the society organized a first celebration including a mass, symphonies in front of the poet's statue, an arquebus shooting, public games, a fireworks display, and dances that lasted until morning. The success was such that the festivities were repeated every year until 1914.

In 1921, the tricentennial of La Fontaine's birth was spectacularly celebrated in the presence of the Minister of Public Instruction and members of the Académie Française. After a period of interruption, it was in 1959 that the true "Fêtes à Jean" were revived by the municipality, with the creation of a festival committee in 1960 aiming to "bring together all the good wills of the city".

A weekend of festivities for everyone

The Fêtes take place over three days, from Friday to Sunday, with a rich and varied program renewed each year around an original theme:

Friday: festive opening

The funfair opens its doors on Place des États-Unis and Place Jean Moulin, while the Union Musicale of Château-Thierry gives a concert on Place du Beau Richard. The evening continues with a musical festival in several locations in the city center.

Saturday: concerts and activities

The afternoon is dedicated to families with the children's village offering creative workshops, face painting, treasure hunts, outdoor games, and a mini-train. The grand concert on Saturday evening is held at Parc Saint-Joseph or on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, with national headliners. The evening continues with DJ sets until 1 a.m.

Sunday: the grand parade and fireworks

The highlight of the Fêtes is the grand costume parade on Sunday afternoon. The procession starts from Rue Carnot at 2:30 p.m. and heads to Avenue Joussaume Latour, bringing together more than 30 brass bands, street performer troupes, local associations, and artistic groups in an explosion of colors and music. The event village, set up at the Hôtel-Dieu, offers food, drinks, activities, and evening concerts. The weekend concludes in style with a spectacular fireworks display fired from the banks of the Marne at 11 p.m.

A popular and unifying event

The Fêtes Jean de La Fontaine are a largely free and open-to-all event. Reimagined and renewed each year thanks to the daily work of volunteers, they embody the spirit of conviviality and local pride of Château-Thierry. Organized by the City's event department, they attract thousands of visitors and have become a true institution, blending popular traditions, live performance, music, and pyrotechnic art in a remarkable heritage setting along the Marne.