La Saint Cochon

La Saint Cochon: The Art of Lard in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

In Besse and throughout Auvergne, pigs were slaughtered in mid-January. This age-old tradition, which punctuated life in the Auvergne countryside, was an opportunity to gather with neighbors and friends for a convivial meal around freshly prepared pork products. Since 1993, La Saint Cochon has perpetuated this tradition on the scale of the village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, in the Sancy massif.

A Day of Popular Celebration

On the third Saturday of January, from 7:30 a.m., the festival begins with a charcuterie snack that sets the tone for the day. The medieval village of Besse then transforms into a huge street theater:

• 7:30 a.m.: Charcuterie snack to start the day right
• 10 a.m.: Pig preparation with singing contests
• All morning: Street entertainment, live music, bands, and fanfares in the medieval alleys
• 1 p.m.: The Grand Meal — nearly 1,500 guests gather for a feast of pork products
• 3 p.m.: Comedy show (e.g., Michel et Yvette)
• 5 p.m.: Theatrical comedy
• 7:30 p.m.: Traditional soup service to conclude the day

A Living Gastronomic Heritage

La Saint Cochon celebrates Auvergne charcuterie in all its forms: sausages, pâtés, hams, fritons, black pudding, andouillettes, and other mountain specialties. Local producers and charcuterie artisans showcase their ancestral know-how, perpetuating recipes passed down through generations.

An Exceptional Medieval Setting

The village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise offers a unique setting for this festival: cobbled streets, black lava stone houses, a Romanesque church, and perfectly preserved medieval architecture. The Place de la Gayme, the heart of the village, hosts the main events and the grand meal in a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Over 30 Years of Festive Tradition

Since its creation in 1993, La Saint Cochon has continued to grow. In 2024, the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary with resounding success. The 31st edition in January 2025 confirmed the vitality of this event, which has become an institution in Puy-de-Dôme, attracting visitors from all over the region and beyond. "We're thick as thieves!" perfectly sums up the friendly and good-natured spirit of this one-of-a-kind festival.