Fête des Louches
- Second weekend of October
What if the legend were true?
Legend has it that Messire de Commynes was once imprisoned in a tower of his castle in the Middle Ages. He was sought in vain by his family and had the idea of throwing his ladle engraved with the family coat of arms from the window of his cell. The ladle was found, and the lord was freed.
The birth of a tradition in Comines-France
An original custom derived from the legend, the ladle throwing took place intermittently during the fair following the feast of Saint Denis. In 1884, two avid students of local history and folklore decided to create the Comité de la Fête des Louches.
A big parade to highlight three days of festivities
Today, the Fête des Louches is held on the second weekend of October. On Sunday, an impressive parade of floats winds its way through the streets of both Comines. It illustrates the legends and history of the town under the towering stature of the many giants of Comines (France), notably P’tite Chorchire and his wife Grande Gueuloute.
Beware of flying ladles!
Comines-France stays true to the regional tradition of throwing objects. The throwing of around 1,000 wooden ladles is an eagerly awaited moment! Rounding off the parade, it attracts thousands of people to the Grand Place in Comines.
Visitor info
Date
- Second weekend of October
Location
- Comines France centre • 59560 Comines (F)
