Grand Pardon de Saint-Yves

The largest Breton pardon

The Grand Pardon de Saint-Yves is the most important traditional religious event in Brittany. Celebrated every year on the third Sunday of May in Tréguier, it pays homage to Saint Yves Hélory de Kermartin (1253-1303), patron saint of Brittany and legal professionals. This Breton pardon, part of a centuries-old tradition, is both a religious pilgrimage and a popular festival that brings together thousands of faithful, legal professionals, and visitors from all over Brittany and beyond.

Pontifical Mass and Solemn Procession

The highlight of the Grand Pardon is the pontifical high mass celebrated in the Saint-Tugdual Cathedral of Tréguier, presided over by a bishop. The mass is followed by the procession of the head of Saint Yves, a significant relic carried in great pomp through the streets of the town to the church of Minihy-Tréguier, the saint's birthplace. Banners, oriflammes, parish crosses, and traditional Breton costumes make up a solemn and colorful procession that is one of the most impressive spectacles of Breton religious heritage.

A Living Heritage of Brittany

Beyond its religious dimension, the Grand Pardon de Saint-Yves is a celebration of Breton heritage in all its diversity. The town of Tréguier, a former episcopal see in Trégor, offers a remarkable architectural setting with its Gothic cathedral, cloister, and half-timbered houses. The pardon is an opportunity to discover the traditional costumes of Trégor, Breton music, and popular traditions. This free event, open to all, is a moment of sharing and communion between believers and lovers of Breton heritage.