Fete du Costume

Name: Fete du Costume
Start: 2025-08-02
Location: Arles

A Living Tapestry of Provençal Pride in the Streets

2026/08/01

Every summer, the city of Arles in southern France bursts into color and tradition with the Fête du Costume. Men, women, and children parade through the ancient cobblestone streets in hand-sewn silk dresses, lace bonnets, and embroidered vests, turning the city into a living tableau of history and artistry. Whether you’re a lover of fashion, folklore, or simply the beauty of tradition, this is a day that will awaken all your senses to the warmth and elegance of Provence.

The festival takes place from late July to early August each year. Local families and visitors from around the world gather to witness the craftsmanship, pride, and spirit passed down through generations. Centuries-old costumes come alive, and the sounds of Occitan songs and music fill the summer air—an experience unique to Arles.

Main Attractions

Costume Parade

The highlight of the festival is a grand parade of over 500 participants dressed in traditional attire. Silk skirts sway, silver jewelry sparkles, and the intricate lacework on bonnets and shawls is simply stunning. The clatter of wooden clogs, the sound of flutes and tambourines, and the vibrant procession leave a lasting impression on all who witness it.

Key Events

Before the parade, the Queen of Arles and her attendants are presented in a formal ceremony, setting a dignified tone for the day. Traditional dances, storytelling in Occitan, and exhibitions of historic costumes fill the city squares. The parade culminates in the Roman theater, where participants of all ages gather to celebrate the pride of Provence.

Costumes and Decorations

The true stars are the costumes: women in pastel or jewel-toned dresses with lace shawls, aprons, and ornate bonnets; men in embroidered vests, white shirts, and wide-brimmed hats; and children in miniature versions of traditional outfits. The city is adorned with flowers, Provençal flags, and the scent of lavender and sunflowers, coloring the summer air.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Fête du Costume (Costume Festival) began in 1903, founded by Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral and his Félibrige movement, which aimed to revive the Provençal language and culture. At the time, industrialization and urbanization were rapidly eroding the region’s traditional language and costume culture. Mistral and his peers believed that by having local women proudly parade in hand-sewn costumes inherited from their mothers and grandmothers, they could preserve and celebrate the identity and pride of Provence.

The festival is held every summer in Arles, where hundreds of women and children in traditional dress parade through the city. These costumes are treasured family heirlooms, and wearing them in the parade is itself a “living tradition”—a vital ritual connecting families and the city’s history. Occitan songs and storytelling are also featured, passing on both language and costume culture to the next generation.

Today, the Fête du Costume is a symbol of Provençal creativity, pride, and cultural heritage, drawing over 10,000 spectators each year. For the people of Arles, it is not just a tourist event but a living cultural asset that reaffirms family and community bonds and keeps tradition alive.

Participant Voices

The Occitan songs and children’s dances were a highlight. The lavender sachets and fougasse were delicious, and I fell even more in love with Provence.

Fun Facts

The Queen of Arles is elected every three years and serves as an ambassador for Provençal culture.
Costumes are treasured family heirlooms, carefully restored for the festival each year.
It can take over 200 hours to hand-sew a single traditional dress.
Occitan (the language of Provence) is sung and spoken throughout the festival.