Grand Pardon de Chaumont

A Jubilee Born in the 15th Century

The Grand Pardon de Chaumont originates from a papal bull signed on February 8, 1475, by Pope Sixtus IV, at the request of Jean de Montmirel, a native of Chaumont and close to the Roman Curia. This exceptional document perpetually grants plenary indulgence to all faithful who, whenever the feast of Saint John the Baptist (June 24) falls on a Sunday, visit the Saint-Jean-Baptiste collegiate church, confess there, and receive communion. Chaumont is the only city in the world to benefit from such a papal privilege.

A Unique Calendar Rhythm

The Grand Pardon is celebrated according to a calendar rhythm of 6, 5, 6, and 11 years, corresponding to the years when June 24 falls on a Sunday. Since 1475, 81 editions have been celebrated up to 2018. Only once in its history, in 1798, was the Grand Pardon not celebrated, as the revolutionary calendar no longer included Sundays.

The Great Procession and the 'Diableries'

On the Sunday of the Grand Pardon, a great procession winds through the city streets, passing by several stations called "montres" or theatres, where the life of Saint John the Baptist is represented through works called Mysteries, with a repertoire of 15 plays. These sacred and profane, sometimes burlesque, performances are known as 'diableries' and have been drawing crowds for centuries.

The Spectacular Street Floristry

One of the most emblematic traditions of the Grand Pardon is the decoration of Chaumont's streets with flowers. Hundreds of volunteers spend two years crafting over 250,000 crepe paper flowers and 20 kilometers of garlands, installed on the night of June 22-23 to create a morning surprise. Each street features a specific color code, transforming the historic center into an unparalleled floral wonderland.

Remarkable Collective Work

The decoration committee coordinates the creation of thousands of flowers, kilometers of garlands, and numerous chandeliers installed in public spaces. The city's technical services have a plan for fixing the cables supporting the garlands and contact property owners for hanging them, allowing Chaumont to don its floral and colorful attire.

Religious and Secular Festivities

The Grand Pardon blends religious celebrations—solemn masses, procession, and pilgrimage to the basilica—with secular festivities animated by about forty social, cultural, and religious associations. The program extends over several months, from the first Sunday of Advent until June 24, featuring concerts, exhibitions, conferences, film debates, and shows.

The Parade of Flower-Adorned Floats

The Grand Pardon Association, created in 2001, notably organizes the parade of richly decorated floats, which is one of the highlights of the festival. Cavalades, costume parades, music, and street entertainment punctuate the festivities and bring the city of Chaumont into the spotlight.

Recognized Heritage

Since October 1, 2018, the Grand Pardon de Chaumont has been listed in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in France. A nomination is underway with UNESCO to inscribe the Grand Pardon as intangible cultural heritage of humanity, testifying to the exceptional scope of this age-old tradition.