Saint-Jean Festival of La Borne

The Saint-Jean Festival in La Borne is a traditional event that takes place every year on June 24th (or the closest weekend). This ancestral celebration holds special significance in this potters' hamlet where fire has been at the heart of ceramic activity for centuries.

The Saint-Jean Bonfire, a tradition celebrated in most French parishes, takes on a special dimension in La Borne. According to popular tradition, impurities are expelled and misfortune is averted through the festival fire. In the past, young people collected logs from each house to feed the large evening bonfire.

In La Borne, the connection with fire is even stronger as potters work daily with wood-fired kilns. Events like "La Borne en feu" (1990) and "La Borne s'enflamme" (2007) have allowed the public to discover wood-fired firings, a specialty of this potters' village.

The evening begins at 8 PM with a large shared picnic where everyone brings their specialties. This is followed by traditional musical entertainment, dances, and games around the large bonfire. This friendly and festive atmosphere brings together the hamlet's residents, potters, and visitors in a warm ambiance.

The Saint-Jean Festival in La Borne is a special moment to discover the spirit of this unique place, where tradition and contemporary ceramic creation blend harmoniously.