FÊTE DE LA SAINT-ELOI

The Saint-Eloi festival is celebrated in Tende every year and lasts two and a half days.

On the Friday before the festival, volunteers, equipped with saws, axes and chainsaws, set out to cut two fir trees in the forest for the traditional Saint-Eloi fires, which they set up in the Place des Chapelles and in the main square opposite the Town Hall.

Preparation continues throughout the day on Saturday. The inhabitants and members of the brotherhood go in procession to the Place des Chapelles for the first Saint-Eloi fire. Around the tree then begin the traditional and farandoles dances. The procession then heads to the Town Hall Square for the second, equally lively fire. The evening traditionally ends with a big fireworks display and a ball.

On Sunday morning, the riders gather in the square of the Town Hall for the start of the cavalcade. Accompanied by numerous folk groups and bands, the procession makes twice the tour of the village before stopping on the square of the collegiate church for the traditional blessing of mules and horsemen. Then, the cavalcade goes to the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville for the presentation of the cup to the Prior of the Year.