The great popular and traditional festival of the Lozère capital
The Grandes Fêtes de Mende are the unmissable event for lovers of traditional votive festivals in Lozère. Organized every year in August by the Comité des Fêtes de Mende, they animate the city for four days with group parades, an illuminated flower corso, the election of Miss Mende, popular balls, a pétanque competition, fairground rides, and a grand fireworks display. Founded in the early 1950s, these festivals celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2023, demonstrating a vibrant tradition that brings together all generations.
The Grandes Fêtes de Mende were born in the early 1950s and have been the festive highlight of the Lozère capital for over seven decades. Organized every year in August by the Comité des Fêtes de Mende, they transform the city center into a vast space of conviviality and popular celebration.
The program of the Grandes Fêtes unfolds over four days, from Friday to Monday:
The festival begins with the inauguration ceremony on Place Urbain V, with the symbolic handover of the city keys to the Comité des Fêtes. This is followed by a free popular ball led by an orchestra and the election of Miss Mende and her runners-up.
The day is marked by group parades through the city streets, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In the evening, the spectacular illuminated flower corso parades down Avenue Foch, followed by a popular ball on Place Urbain V.
Miss Mende is presented to the public at 11:30 a.m., followed by a group parade. In the afternoon, the Musée du Gévaudan offers festive activities: face painting and free themed visits in costume (€5 without costume).
The festival culminates in a grand finale with a spectacular fireworks display fired at 10:15 p.m. from the stadium of the Jean-Jacques Delmas sports complex.
Throughout the festival, the Place du Foirail hosts rides, games, and fairground attractions for the delight of families and children.
The Grandes Fêtes de Mende are more than just a local festival: they embody the festive identity of the city and bring together residents, families, and visitors in a warm, intergenerational atmosphere. The illuminated flower corso, a true source of Mende pride, remains one of the most anticipated highlights of the Lozère summer.
2026 edition of the Grandes Fêtes de Mende, from August 21 to 24, 2026. Four days of popular festivities in the heart of the Lozère capital.
The Grandes Fêtes de Mende return from August 21 to 24, 2026 with their traditional program: inauguration on Place Urbain V, popular balls, illuminated flower corso, parades, pétanque competition, guinguette, and a grand closing fireworks display.
Mende is the prefecture of Lozère, accessible via the N88.
Access to the festival and parades is free. Fairground rides and attractions are subject to a charge.
Comité des Fêtes de Mende: 04 66 49 28 29
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Centre-ville de Mende
Place Urbain V, 48000 Mende