Les Bravades de Fréjus 2024 in Provence & French Riviera

Les Bravades is a feast day dedicated to Saint Francis de Paule, the patron saint of the town of Fréjus, who saved it from the back plague in the day. It's definitely the most remarkable folk celebration is back and one of the most notable in the region. Annually, on the third weekend after Easter, the locals dress in traditional costumes and parade around the city accompanied by the sounds of fifes and drums. The festivities also include musketry discharges, a solemn procession, concerts by local musicians, traditional services in the cathedral, and the feast itself. It is a very joyous and cheerful event that reflects the atmosphere of this small southern town.

The history of Les Bravades

The tradition of celebrating Les Bravades de Fréjus dates back to the fifteenth century, when the town was struck by an epidemic of the black death. At that time, Francis de Paule left his native Calabria to go to the bedside of the King of France under the instructions of Pope Sixtus IV. His boat was supposed to arrive in Marseille, but the port was closed because of the plague. Landing at the small town of Bormes-les-Mimosas, François started to perform miracles. In Fréjus, a port of Roman origin, he met a woman Misé Bertole, who told the saint about the devastating disease. The saint prayed for divine mercy and his prayer was answered: the plague never affected the city again.