Children's Bear Parade (Fête du Vieil Ours)
Bring children to join or watch; families gather around village routes for an intimate carnival atmosphere
~14:30 - 16:30
Bear Festival of Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans
Fête de l'Ours
Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans, France
Feb 26 - 28, 2027Expected
Each late February, the village of Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans closes the bear season with its own Bear Festival. The playful bear hunt and ceremonial dances carry on the Vallespir myth, in a celebration that is the last of the region's bear festivals each winter.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 26
Day 3 · Feb 28
Bear Hunt Parade (Chasse de l'Ours)
Find a spot along the route early; energetic and emotional, prepare to be part of the crowd or snap photos of the traditional dances
~15:00 - 17:00
Bear Shaving (Rasage de l'Ours)
Crowd forms a circle; respectful atmosphere as the 'death' and rebirth of the Bear is enacted
~17:00 - 17:30
Where it happens
Place du Syndicat
Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Part of a local Catalan carnival tradition; visitors should dress respectfully and follow i...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Village center fills with participants during processions; peripheral areas less crowded
Weather
Late winter: chilly and possibly rainy; check forecast, dress in layers
Transport
Regional buses (e.g., Haut-Vallespir lines) serve Perpignan–Céret–Saint-Laurent. No direct shuttle.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Generally safe community event; enjoy with normal caution in crowds
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Bear Festival of Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans
Fête de l'Ours
Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans, France
Each late February, the village of Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans closes the bear season with its own Bear Festival. The playful bear hunt and ceremonial dances carry on the Vallespir myth, in a celebration that is the last of the region's bear festivals each winter.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Feb 26 - 28, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Like its siblings (Arles-sur-Tech and Prats-de-Mollo), this village’s carnival embodies a myth of the bear returning from hibernation. The festival reenacts that legend, symbolizing rebirth and spring. It is a key communal event signaling end of winter, with roots said to predate Christianity in the region.
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 26
Day 1Feb 26~14:30 - 16:30Expected
Children's Bear Parade (Fête du Vieil Ours)
Bring children to join or watch; families gather around village routes for an intimate carnival atmosphere
Day 3Feb 283 moments
Day 3Feb 28~15:00 - 17:00Expected
Bear Hunt Parade (Chasse de l'Ours)
Find a spot along the route early; energetic and emotional, prepare to be part of the crowd or snap photos of the traditional dances
Day 3Feb 28~17:00 - 17:30Expected
Bear Shaving (Rasage de l'Ours)
Crowd forms a circle; respectful atmosphere as the 'death' and rebirth of the Bear is enacted
Day 3Feb 28~17:30 - 18:00Expected
Sardanes Circle Dance
Join the linked arms of locals in the circle; a joyous communal dance to finish the event
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Part of a local Catalan carnival tradition; visitors should dress respectfully and follow instructions. Tourist...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 26 - 28, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans
Occitanie (Catalan Vallespir)
Access
Perpignan–Rivesaltes (PGF) · 45 km from festival
Cost
Free public events available
Atmosphere
Festive and energetic, especially during the bear chase; traditiona...
Village center fills with participants during processions...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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