Festival of the Giants

Name: Festival of the Giants
Start: 2025-07-05
End: 2025-07-07
Location: Douai

A Grand Festival that Embodies the Soul and Traditions of Northern France

Every summer, the streets of northern France come alive with the thunderous footsteps of giants. The Festival of Giants (Fêtes de Gayant), a centuries-old tradition, transforms the towns in the region into a wonderland filled with fantastical giant puppets and the joyous celebration of festivity. Held on the last weekend of June or the first weekend of July, this UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage event attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, inviting both locals and tourists into a world where folklore and reality intersect.

Main Attractions

The Grand Parade of Giants

At the heart of the festival is a grand parade featuring enormous puppets, some reaching up to 8.5 meters tall, as they march through the town. The giants of the Géants family of Douai, iconic figures of the town, take center stage. Led by Mr. Gayant, who boasts a history of over 500 years, followed by Mrs. Gayant and their children, these figures embody regional pride and culture as they parade through the streets. Weighing up to 370 kilograms, these giants are brought to life through the skilled movements of hidden carriers, swaying and turning as they go. The unique rhythm created by the footsteps of the parade and traditional music captivates the audience. The Gayant family of giants, recognized by UNESCO in 2008 as a symbol of the cultural identity of northern France, holds deep significance.

The Medieval Market and Festivities

Around the parade, the streets transform into a bustling medieval market. The aroma of freshly baked bread, sausages, and mead fills the air, while craftsmen dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional crafts. Children can try their hand at archery or watch acrobats perform, fully immersing themselves in the medieval atmosphere. The market offers a tactile medieval world with wooden stalls, handwoven tapestries, and metal ornaments.

Traditional Dance and Music

The festival also features traditional dances performed by the giants. Accompanied by the city's band, the graceful movements of the enormous puppets are a sight to behold. The dance ends with sweets being thrown into the crowd, and doves released, creating an interactive experience that delights the audience. These traditional elements vividly express the region's cultural heritage.

Regional Gastronomy

No French festival is complete without gastronomy, and this one is no exception. Visitors can savor local specialties such as Gayantine, a caramel milk candy, and other regional products. From freshly baked baguettes and local cheeses to traditional stews, a variety of dishes are available to enjoy. In the evening, people celebrate the giants and regional heritage with a glass of local beer or wine, enhancing the festival atmosphere even more.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Festival of Giants date back to the 16th century, initially part of religious processions, but over time, the giants came to represent regional legends or historical figures. This tradition spread across northern France and parts of Belgium, becoming a symbol of regional identity and resilience.

For the people of northern France, the giants are more than just festival attractions; they are beloved guardians of regional culture and history. Each giant has its own personality and backstory, often tied to significant events or figures from the region's past. The festival serves as a living link to heritage, allowing the community to celebrate its unique identity and foster regional cohesion. The 2008 UNESCO designation further solidified the festival's importance as intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Participants Voices

I was blown away when I saw the Festival of Giants! The scale of these figures is unbelievable. I'll never forget the moment I turned a corner and came face-to-face with Mrs. Gayant. It felt like I was Jack encountering a giant for the first time! A local told me the history behind each giant. By the end of the night, dancing through the streets with newfound friends, I felt like I had discovered a hidden treasure of French culture.

While traveling through northern France, I stumbled upon the Festival of Giants in Douai. The first thing I saw were the massive figures standing at the town's entrance. Their sheer size stopped me in my tracks. As the parade began, watching the giants, over 8 meters tall, march through the streets was breathtaking. The details of the knight-like giant's armor were so precise, I felt like I was seeing a real medieval knight before my eyes. I was amazed by the skill of the locals maneuvering the giants. It took several people working together to make the giants move as if they were alive. After the parade, I had the chance to speak with some locals and was deeply moved by how important this festival is to them. The atmosphere of the festival was incredible. The whole town was in a festive mood, with numerous stalls offering local food and crafts. I particularly loved the local candy, Gayantine, and ended up buying far too much. This festival made me realize the depth of French culture. I felt like I was experiencing genuine local culture, something you can't find by just visiting tourist spots. Next time, I plan to bring my family with me.

Fun Facts

The oldest giant, Mr. Gayant of Douai, has a history of over 500 years, while the youngest "child," Binbin, celebrated its 300th birthday in 2015.
Some giants are so tall that their heads need to be removed when passing under bridges or power lines during the parade.
The tradition of giants has spread beyond France, with similar festivals held in distant places like Mexico and Brazil.
In some towns, giants from neighboring cities are "invited" to the festival, and occasionally "weddings" between giants from different towns are held.

Festival Dates

The Festival of Giants is usually held on the last weekend of June or the first weekend of July. The schedule varies by city, with the famous Gayant Festival of Douai typically taking place in early July.