Trappeur's Call (Trobada des Caçaires)
Arrive early in the morning on the village streets to see the Trapper summon people; lively atmosphere.
~10:30
Bear Festival of Arles-sur-Tech
Fête de l'Ours
Arles-sur-Tech, France
Jan 31, 2027Expected
Each early February, the town of Arles-sur-Tech revives an ancient legend with its Bear Festival. Costumed figures stage the bear chase and its symbolic 'shaving' to cobla music and sardanes, in a celebration deep in Vallespir folklore, recalling villagers who once captured an injured bear.
Key moments
Day 1 · Jan 31
Grande Chasse à l’Ours (Bear Hunt)
Arrange to watch along the route early; participants run with the 'bear', which is very exciting but intense.
~15:00
Rasage de l’Ours (Bear Shaving)
Good vantage point (preferably at edge of square) to see the staged ritual and dances; crowd enthusiastic.
~16:30
Where it happens
Place du Couvent
Arles-sur-Tech, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Visitors should follow local safety instructions, avoid obstructing performers or hunters,...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Central squares fill up quickly for key moments; peripheral areas are less crowded
Weather
Winter temperatures, occasional rain; check forecast for snow or cold fronts
Transport
Regional TER train to Amélie-les-Bains (5 km away) and local bus connections
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Generally safe; small village setting with municipal security. Mind your belongings in crowds.
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Bear Festival of Arles-sur-Tech
Fête de l'Ours
Arles-sur-Tech, France
Each early February, the town of Arles-sur-Tech revives an ancient legend with its Bear Festival. Costumed figures stage the bear chase and its symbolic 'shaving' to cobla music and sardanes, in a celebration deep in Vallespir folklore, recalling villagers who once captured an injured bear.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 31, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Deeply rooted in Vallespir folklore. The legend recounts villagers capturing an injured bear together, a story that has evolved into a carnival where the bear (a man in costume) is hunted, exposed, and ceremonially 'purified'. This carnival marks the cyclic transition of winter to spring and ties community members into ancestral rites.
Key moments to know
Day 1Jan 313 moments
Day 1Jan 31~10:30Expected
Trappeur's Call (Trobada des Caçaires)
Arrive early in the morning on the village streets to see the Trapper summon people; lively atmosphere.
Day 1Jan 31~15:00Expected
Grande Chasse à l’Ours (Bear Hunt)
Arrange to watch along the route early; participants run with the 'bear', which is very exciting but intense.
Day 1Jan 31~16:30Expected
Rasage de l’Ours (Bear Shaving)
Good vantage point (preferably at edge of square) to see the staged ritual and dances; crowd enthusiastic.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Visitors should follow local safety instructions, avoid obstructing performers or hunters, and respect the trad...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 31, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Arles-sur-Tech
Occitanie (Catalan Vallespir)
Access
Perpignan–Rivesaltes (PGF) · 45 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget €50-80, Comfort €100-150
Atmosphere
High energy and lively – villagers cheer and shout as the bear is c...
Central squares fill up quickly for key moments; peripher...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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