Mayenne Liberty Festival
Historical reenactment of the Liberation in Craon
About Mayenne Liberty
Mayenne Liberty Festival: Reliving the Liberation in Craon
Every summer in August, the town of Craon, in southern Mayenne, hosts the Mayenne Liberty Festival, a historical reenactment event dedicated to the memory of the Liberation of France and the role of American forces during the summer of 1944. This immersive festival invites the public to travel back in time and relive this pivotal period in history.
A life-size American camp
The heart of the Mayenne Liberty Festival is the recreation of an authentic American military camp from 1944. Over 120 reenactors from all over France and Europe don period uniforms and set up camp with around forty American military vehicles: jeeps, half-tracks, GMC trucks, and other World War II equipment.
Demonstrations and reenactments
The recreated camp offers a vivid panorama of the daily life of American soldiers in France:
- Military encampment with tents, equipment, and period gear
- Vehicle demonstrations in operation
- Military parade through the streets of Craon
- Commemorative ceremony honoring the liberators
- Scenes of daily life meticulously recreated
The Liberation Ball
A festive highlight of the event, the 1940s ball transports participants into the joyful atmosphere of the Liberation. Swing music, period costumes, and ballroom dancing create a warm and moving ambiance, blending remembrance with the celebration of regained freedom.
Activities for everyone
The Mayenne Liberty Festival is a family event offering activities for all ages:
- Activities for children: educational workshops, period games, vehicle discovery
- Thematic exhibitions on World War II and the Liberation of Mayenne
- On-site catering with a refreshment stand and food stalls
- Meet-and-greets with reenactors and history enthusiasts
A duty of remembrance
Beyond the festive and spectacular aspect, the Mayenne Liberty Festival carries a message of remembrance and peace. By bringing the events of 1944 back to life, the festival pays tribute to the American soldiers who contributed to the liberation of Mayenne and France, and emphasizes the importance of preserving peace and freedom.
Mayenne Liberty — edition 2026
The 8th edition of the Mayenne Liberty Festival will take place from August 7 to 9, 2026, in Craon, in the heart of the Pays de Craon (53). Three days of historical re-enactment to commemorate the liberation of Mayenne in the summer of 1944: a re-enacted American camp, parades of vintage military vehicles, remembrance ceremonies, and a Liberation Ball.
An immersion into the summer of 1944
For 2026, the itinerant Mayenne Liberty event sets up its tents in Craon and celebrates the anniversary of the department's liberation. Over 120 re-enactors and about forty American military vehicles immerse the public in the atmosphere of World War II.
On the program
The re-enacted American camp can be visited throughout the weekend, punctuated by parades of vintage vehicles in the streets of Craon, commemorative ceremonies, and a popular ball in the atmosphere of the 1940s. Activities are offered for all ages, with on-site catering.
Programme Mayenne Liberty 2026
Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Re-enacted American camp open to the public (over 120 re-enactors, approx. 40 American military vehicles)
- Parades of vintage military vehicles in Craon
- Commemorative ceremonies for the liberation of Mayenne
- Liberation Ball (1940s atmosphere)
- Activities for children and adults, on-site catering
The detailed schedule for each activity will be published by the organizer (Association Mayenne WW2) on its website and Facebook page closer to the event.
Highlights Mayenne Liberty 2026
- 8th edition of the itinerant event, in Craon in 2026
- Re-enacted American camp with over 120 re-enactors and about forty military vehicles
- Parades, remembrance ceremonies, and Liberation Ball
- Commemoration of the liberation of Mayenne (summer 1944)
Prices Mayenne Liberty 2026
Practical information — Mayenne Liberty
Access
By car: Craon is located 30 km south of Laval via the D771. Free parking near the festival site.
By train: Laval station (30 km), then car or carpooling to Craon.
Practical information
The festival takes place over three days in August (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Activities are spread throughout the weekend with highlights on Saturday (parade, ball).
Prices
Inquire with the Mayenne Liberty association for entrance fees.
Catering
Refreshments and food stalls on site.
Contact
Association Mayenne Liberty Festival – Craon – Facebook: Mayenne Liberty
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Where does it take place — Mayenne Liberty
Centre-ville de Craon