Foire aux Ânes et Poneys du Magny

An ancestral fair in the heart of Berry

The Foire aux Ânes et Poneys du Magny is one of the most authentic events in the Indre department. Every year, on Ascension Day, the small village of Magny, nestled in the hills of Boischaut Sud, comes alive with a traditional fair dedicated to donkeys and ponies. This event perpetuates an ancient rural tradition deeply rooted in the heritage of Berry, where livestock fairs once punctuated country life.

A benchmark donkey competition

The heart of the fair is the donkey competition, which brings together the best breeders in the region. From 8:00 AM, the animals are registered on the fairgrounds. At 9:30 AM, the donkeys and ponies are presented to the jury to be evaluated according to breed, conformation, and quality criteria. The Grand Noir du Berry, an emblematic breed of the region, is particularly highlighted. At noon, the awards ceremony is accompanied by a toast offered by the municipality.

The donkey-drawn cart parade

The highlight of the afternoon is the parade of donkey-drawn carts at 3:00 PM, where the teams parade through the village streets to the applause of the public. This picturesque spectacle recalls the time when donkeys were essential for fieldwork and transport on the sunken paths of Berry. The carefully decorated carts demonstrate the skill of the drivers and the attachment of the people of Berry to their long-eared companions.

Market, crafts, and flea market

Throughout the day, the fairgrounds, streets, and squares of Magny host numerous exhibitors: local artisans, farm producers, flea market vendors, and traveling merchants. An exhibition of vintage cars completes the program. The following Sunday, a large flea market takes over the village streets, extending the Ascension weekend festivities.

A festive and family day

The Foire aux Ânes et Poneys du Magny is a free event open to all, from 8 AM to 6 PM. Musical entertainment accompanies the official visit at 11 AM. On-site catering allows you to taste the specialties of the Berry region. A village restaurant offers a special fair menu. It's the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in Berry, its rural traditions, and the passion of its inhabitants for donkeys and ponies.