Bear Shaving Ceremony
Arrive early (60+ min before) to secure a good viewing spot in the square.
~14:00 - 15:00
Bear and Carnival Festival of Prats-de-Mollo
Fête de l'Ours et Carnaval
Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France
Feb 16 - 23, 2027Expected
Each mid-February, the town of Prats-de-Mollo joins its bear legend to carnival for a week-long festival. Musical processions, street games, and a grand closing parade fill the days, in a celebration rooted in the Vallespir folklore of the bear that comes down from the mountains.
Key moments
Day 6 · Feb 21
Day 7 · Feb 22
Encadenat Parade and Ball de la Posta
Join spectators around the square for lively music and spectacle; ideal for photos and local flair.
~15:00 - 17:00
Carnival Ball
Meet locals at the community hall; arrive by 22:00 to join the party and dancing.
~22:30
Where it happens
Place du Foiral
Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Visitors may observe all events, but should not join the bear hunt or shaving (these are fo...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowds gather densely at the main square during ritual moments but overall remain manageable.
Weather
Winter mountain weather; snow or ice is possible. Dress in layers and waterproof boots.
Transport
Regional buses connect Prats-de-Mollo with Céret and Perpignan (check TER bus schedules).
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Public event with police and organizers present. Very low crime risk.
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Bear and Carnival Festival of Prats-de-Mollo
Fête de l'Ours et Carnaval
Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France
Each mid-February, the town of Prats-de-Mollo joins its bear legend to carnival for a week-long festival. Musical processions, street games, and a grand closing parade fill the days, in a celebration rooted in the Vallespir folklore of the bear that comes down from the mountains.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Feb 16 - 23, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Rooted in the same Vallespir folklore, Prats-de-Mollo’s festival extends over several days as a community carnival. Tradition dictates that the 'bear' emerges mid-week and is ultimately hunted down at the finale, mixing Catholic carnival (carnestoltes) customs with the bear legend.
Key moments to know
Day 6Feb 21
Day 6Feb 21~14:00 - 15:00Expected
Bear Shaving Ceremony
Arrive early (60+ min before) to secure a good viewing spot in the square.
Day 7Feb 222 moments
Day 7Feb 22~15:00 - 17:00Expected
Encadenat Parade and Ball de la Posta
Join spectators around the square for lively music and spectacle; ideal for photos and local flair.
Day 7Feb 22~22:30Expected
Carnival Ball
Meet locals at the community hall; arrive by 22:00 to join the party and dancing.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Visitors may observe all events, but should not join the bear hunt or shaving (these are for designated actors)...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 16 - 23, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste
Occitanie (Catalan Vallespir)
Access
Perpignan Rivesaltes (PGF) · 90 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-80, Mid-range: €120-160 per day
Atmosphere
High-energy carnival atmosphere with drums, dancing and festive che...
Crowds gather densely at the main square during ritual mo...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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