Pardon of Notre-Dame de Bulat

An Age-Old Pardon

The Pardon de Notre-Dame de Bulat is celebrated every year in Bulat-Pestivien, a small town in Kreiz-Breizh (Central Brittany), around the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8th). The Notre-Dame de Bulat church, a listed Historic Monument, is the heart of this celebration: this flamboyant Gothic building from the 15th-16th century, with its remarkable porch tower, hosts the services and the procession.

Three Days of Festivities

The pardon takes place over three days:

• Saturday evening: Mass in Breton, nocturnal procession on the hill with the silver Virgin and banners, followed by the tantad (traditional Breton bonfire).
• Sunday: Solemn Mass at 10:30 am, blessing of the banners, meditative rosary for families in the afternoon, vespers, and blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Monday: Mass in the morning, followed by the great horse fair which attracts over 8,000 visitors.

The Horse Fair, an Institution Since 1747

Since 1747, the Bulat-Pestivien horse fair has been a true institution. Organized on the Monday following the pardon (the first Monday after September 8th), it brings together breeders and horse enthusiasts for foal competitions, stallion presentations, and transactions. The fair is also enlivened by boules games, fairground attractions, and a large market in the village streets.