Pardon de Kermaria-an-Isquit

An ancestral pardon in a medieval setting

The Pardon de Kermaria-an-Isquit is a traditional Breton pardon that takes place every year at the chapel of Kermaria-an-Isquit, located in the hamlet of Kermaria in Plouha, in the Côtes-d'Armor. This ancestral pilgrimage, dedicated to Notre-Dame de Kermaria — "the House of Mary who restores health" in Breton — takes place on the Sunday following September 15th.

The chapel with exceptional frescoes

The chapel of Kermaria-an-Isquit is a religious building from the 13th century, classified as a historic monument since July 3, 1907. It is one of the only two sanctuaries in Brittany to feature a fresco depicting the Dance of Death, a remarkable work created between 1488 and 1501. This masterpiece of medieval art, which shows death inviting the living of all conditions to dance with it, makes this chapel an exceptional heritage site.

Solemn mass and procession

The pardon begins with a solemn mass in the chapel, followed by a procession around the building. The faithful and visitors gather for this moment of reflection and devotion, in the tradition of Breton pardons that have perpetuated popular faith and community ties for centuries.