Fete des Guardians

A Festival of Tradition and Horses, Celebrating the Pride of the Camargue

2026/04/30

Every spring, the ancient city of Arles is filled with the vibrant energy of the Fête des Gardians. This festival brings together the Camargue’s cowboys—known as “gardians”—to honor their horses, traditions, and deep-rooted pride in their land. For anyone wanting to experience the wild romance and spirit of southern France, this is a day that offers a true taste of Camargue life, with its white horses, local customs, and living heritage.

Held annually on May 1st in Arles, the festival attracts locals, horse lovers, families, and travelers alike, all seeking the authentic soul of the Camargue. The city comes alive with the scent of leather, hay, and spring flowers, vibrant costumes, and the sound of folk music.

Main Attractions

The Grand Parade of Gardians

The highlight of the festival is the grand parade through the streets of Arles, where men and women dressed in traditional attire ride majestic white Camargue horses. Black felt hats, embroidered vests, and wide sashes glint in the sunlight, while the rhythmic sound of hooves on cobblestones and the proud bearing of the riders create a truly impressive spectacle.

Crowds line the streets, cheering and taking photos against the backdrop of Roman ruins and sunlit squares. The scent of horse sweat and wild herbs, the sound of folk music, and the vibrant atmosphere stimulate all the senses, immersing visitors in a living tradition.

Key Events

After the parade, a blessing ceremony for horses and riders takes place in front of the Saint-Trophime Church. The festivities continue with cattle herding, equestrian shows, and Camargue-style livestock demonstrations in the arenas and city squares, all highlighting the deep bond between gardians and their horses.

The election of the Queen of Arles—who serves a three-year term as an ambassador of Provençal culture—is another festival highlight. Traditional dances, music, and storytelling about Camargue life fill the day with color and meaning.

Costumes and Decorations

Gardians wear black felt hats, white shirts, embroidered vests, colorful sashes, sturdy boots, and silver accessories. The Queen and other women appear in beautiful Provençal dresses with lace shawls and traditional hair ornaments. Horses are adorned with handmade leather saddles and silver decorations. The city is decorated with Camargue crosses, flowers, and banners, creating a festive and proud atmosphere everywhere.

Traditional Food & Drink

Festival tables are filled with Camargue specialties such as beef stew (gardianne de taureau), locally grown rice, olives, and fresh bread. The aroma of grilled meat and wild herbs fills the air, and rosé and red wine are always close at hand. For dessert, anise-flavored fougasse and honey cake are best enjoyed under the open sky.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Fête des Gardians date back to 1512, when the “Confrérie des Gardians” (Brotherhood of Gardians) was officially established near Arles in the Camargue region. The Camargue, a wetland area at the mouth of the Rhône River in southern France, has long been known for its free-range cattle and horses. Gardians—Camargue’s cowboys—have traditionally protected herds of wild horses and black bulls, preserving the region’s unique pastoral culture.

The brotherhood chose Saint George as their patron saint and set May 1st as their annual festival day. During the festival, gardians parade on horseback through Arles and receive blessings for their horses and riders in front of Saint-Trophime Church. This ritual is meant to pray for the prosperity of livestock, the land, and the safety of the community, symbolizing the pride and identity of Camargue’s agricultural and pastoral culture.

In the 19th century, the festival became intertwined with the Provençal cultural revival (Félibrige movement) led by poet Frédéric Mistral, further establishing it as a symbol of regional culture. Today, not only locals but also many tourists and horse enthusiasts gather to share in the spirit and pride of the Camargue through traditional costumes, horsemanship, music, and cuisine, making the Fête des Gardians a living cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Participant Voices

Watching the gardians parade on horseback over the cobblestones of Arles felt like traveling through time. The beauty of the horses and the pride of the riders were unforgettable. Surrounded by music and laughter, my children were already asking, “Can we come back next year?”

Fun Facts

The Camargue horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world—born dark, it turns white as it matures.
The Camargue cross, a symbol of faith, hope, and charity, is displayed throughout the city during the festival.
The Queen of Arles serves a three-year term as an ambassador of Provençal culture.
Gardians belong to “confréries” (brotherhoods), some of which have histories spanning over 500 years.