National Day of Dourdan

The National Day in Dourdan: history, flames, and fireworks

Dourdan, a medieval town in Essonne nestled at the gates of Beauce, celebrates the National Day every year with a carefully curated program that happily blends the republican dimension with popular celebration. The festivities take place over two days, July 13 and 14, offering Dourdannais residents and inhabitants of the Communauté de Communes du Dourdannais en Hurepoix a rich calendar of events.

July 13: torchlight procession and fireworks

The eve of July 14 is traditionally dedicated to popular festivities. The day of July 13 begins in the morning with the ceremony in the courtyard of Dourdan Castle, this medieval jewel from the 13th century, accompanied by the Société Musicale de Dourdan. After a convivial lunch at Parc Lejars-Rouillon, the afternoon gives way to entertainment and reunions.

From 6:30 PM, musical entertainment continues with DJs setting the esplanade alight. At 9:15 PM, the distribution of torches in front of the town hall allows everyone to participate in the torchlight procession: a luminous procession that winds through the streets of Dourdan's historic center, warming the atmosphere with a thousand golden points of light. This nostalgic and solemn moment evokes the spirit of republican festivals of yesteryear.

At 10:00 PM, the start of the torchlight procession marks the beginning of the official procession. Then, the highlight of the evening arrives with the fireworks at 11:00 PM, launched from the parvis in front of the town hall. In the Dourdan sky, luminous bursts follow one another for about twenty minutes, illuminating the roofs of the medieval center and reflecting their glow on the castle towers. The evening then continues with music from DJs until midnight.

July 14: the official ceremony

The morning of July 14 is dedicated to republican solemnity. At 11:00 AM, the official ceremony takes place in the courtyard of the Town Hall, in the presence of the prefect of Essonne and local elected officials. The Société Musicale de Dourdan accompanies the official speeches and the national anthem. This ceremony is an opportunity to pay tribute to former combatants and republican values.

At 12:30 PM, the banquet for seniors brings together the town's seniors in the Espace Concorde (by registration), allowing elders to share this moment of patriotic conviviality.

Dourdan, a city of history and heritage

Celebrating July 14 in Dourdan also means celebrating a city steeped in history. Dourdan Castle, built under Philippe Auguste and enlarged under Saint-Louis, is one of the most beautiful castles in medieval Île-de-France. The town experienced great moments during the French Revolution, and some of its inhabitants were among the actors of this foundational period. Celebrating July 14 within the walls of this castle means connecting republican splendor with the historical depth of a territory.

The town also hosts the famous Foire aux Haricots (Bean Fair) every September, testifying to the festive and commercial dynamism of this city of 10,000 inhabitants that knows how to combine tradition and modernity.