12-05-2025
The fate of fêtes hangs in the balance in rural France
There are donkey rides, stands, trampolines, historical re-enactments as well as food and drink aplenty, as villages across France hold their traditional fêtes this spring.
In the east, Ungersheim is looking forward to its annual pig race this month. Saint-Quay-Portrieux in Brittany held its yearly scallop festival a fortnight ago, as Retjons in the south offered a pétanque competition, a car boot sale, paella and wine.
Yet for the organisers, it is not all fun, games and gastronomy — they say folk traditions are at risk of petering out due to rising costs, fewer helpers and an escalation in red tape.
'Fêtes are under threat,' according to Thomas Meslin, head of development of Les Plus Belles Fêtes de France (France's Most Beautiful Fêtes), an association
