The Bravade is a solemn and festive procession that takes place in someone’s honor.
La Garde-Freinet
The Bravade of Saint-Clément is an old tradition of the village of La Garde-Freinet, it is celebrated in honor of the Patron Saint, pope and martyr of the 1st century. The patron saint of the parish, Saint-Clément, is celebrated each year at the end of April/beginning of May to commemorate the translation of the saint’s relics to the church of La Garde-Freinet.
The day before, the relics are exhibited in the parish church and the bravado corps is formed and attends vespers. The next day, a large procession of the relics took place with the bravadeurs and the fifes to the Saint-Clément chapel, where a mass took place. On Sunday there is a procession following Saint-Clément through the old village followed by the official welcome of Notre-Dame de Miremer and the High Mass sung at the parish church. The commemoration ends with Provençal dances and stump dances, with the participation of fifes and folk groups.
This year, the Bravade of Saint Clement takes place on May 2 and 3 2026 !
Cogolin
From the 4th to the 9th century, the Saracens attempted to invade the coasts of Provence. To defend the village, a village captain was appointed from the 10th century. This is how Bravades was born. Then, every year in May, the City Captain organized a Bravade to celebrate the defense of the city and honor the patron saint.
During this traditional festival, Cogolin vibrated to the rhythm of tromblonades, processions through the town, masses… Interrupted in 1687 by a councilor, it has made the village vibrate again since 1996. An unmissable event, the Bravade de la Saint-Maur is an astonishing journey through time where the past meets the present for a few days to perpetuate this religious and military festival.
The Bravade de la Saint Maur in Cogolin takes place on May 8, 9 and 10, 2026 !
In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the villages of Sainte Maxime and Saint-Tropez also celebrate their Patron Saints! Find the bravado of Sainte Maxime on May 14 and 15 and the bravado of Saint-Tropez from May 16 to 18.