Gallic Festival
Gallic and Roman reenactment at the Musée départemental du Sel in Marsal
2026
About Gallic Festival
Every year, the Fête Gauloise brings the Musée départemental du Sel in Marsal to life, set within the historic remains of the village's royal saltworks. For one weekend, reenactment groups set up a Gallic and Roman camp, showcasing the crafts of the era, including blacksmithing, weaving, natural dyeing, basketry, pottery, and glass bead making.
The two-day event features staged combat, traditional music and singing, family workshops, and a Gallic banquet. The festival is hosted by the Moselle Department, which manages the museum.
Gallic Festival — edition 2026
On the weekend of September 5th and 6th, the Musée départemental du Sel in Marsal transforms into a bustling Gaulish village. Experience daily life in the ancient world through a living encampment, Celtic artisans, and combat demonstrations. New for 2026, Scottish horn player John Kenny will bring the carnyx—the ancient Gaulish war horn—to life, while artist Lucile Taïeb will host a wet-plate collodion photography workshop.
On Saturday evening, a traditional Gaulish banquet will be followed by a folk dance concert featuring the Trio Pop and musicians from the Folk en Bœuf association. Reservations are required.
Highlights Gallic Festival 2026
- Carnyx demonstrations by Scottish composer John Kenny.
- Wet-plate collodion photography workshop with Lucile Taïeb.
- Gaulish banquet and folk dance concert on Saturday evening (reservations required).
- Reenacted combat with opportunities for children to participate.
- Gaulish brooch making with the Musée des Celtes de Libramont (Belgium).
Programme Gallic Festival 2026
Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ongoing — Living Gaulish encampment: furniture, kitchenware, and tableware featuring the Leuki, Trimatrici, Ordalies, Legio VII, and Artisans d'Histoire troupes.
- Ongoing — Celtic craft workshops: blacksmithing, weaving, natural dyeing, glass bead making, basketry, and pottery.
- Ongoing — Gaulish combat demonstrations with children's participation.
- Ongoing — Bardic duels and traditional songs with musician and storyteller Pascal Minne.
- Ongoing — Carnyx (Gaulish war horn) demonstrations by Scottish composer John Kenny.
- Ongoing — Gaulish coin minting (additional fee) by the IRMENSUL association.
- Ongoing — Wet-plate collodion photography workshop with artist Lucile Taïeb.
- Ongoing — Lithotherapy workshop.
- Ongoing — Gaulish brooch (fibula) making with the Musée des Celtes de Libramont (Belgium).
Saturday, September 5th, Evening
- 8:00 PM — Gaulish banquet followed by a folk dance concert with Trio Pop and musicians from the Folk en Bœuf association (reservations required: 03 87 35 01 50 or [email protected]).
Prices Gallic Festival 2026
Practical information — Gallic Festival
The museum is open for the event on September 5th and 6th from 10 am to 6 pm. Location: Porte de France, 57630 Marsal.
Food and refreshments will be available throughout the weekend, provided by the Étoile Sportive de Marsal along with local associations and artisans.
Where does it take place — Gallic Festival
Gallic Festival in brief
Other festivals near Marsal
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