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CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS

In Provence, the Christmas festival always holds a particular splendour. Which is particularly true in Cassis where the traditions remain strong and firm. Parades and events that fill with wonder follow one after another for a period of over a month ; much to the delight of both young and old.
Among the events of this magical period are the celebration of Sainte-Barbe where the wheat that is used to decorate the Christmas table is planted by all the families and the famous "Provence Christmas Market" which takes place in the heart of the village on the place Baragnon and lasts for four days. Here it's possible to fill your basket to the brim with all of the finest produce of the region and see the Christmas Carol Concert where, after an intensive training period throughout advent, local volunteers perform all of the most beautiful Christmas hymns.
Nativity crèches are on display in public places - the park, the town hall and in all the houses. .
Midnight Mass ; listen to organ music and reflect on this festive season.
The Pastorale Maurel, which has been interpreted in Cassis every year since the 1930's. This piece, played and sung in the Provence dialect, tells the story of " la marche de l'étoile"; the departure of the people from Provence for Bethlehem after the angel Boufareu announced "la bonne nouvelle" the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The FESTIVAL OF the FISHERMEN AND the SEA (the last weekend of June)

Two days entirely devoted to fishing and the sea. The major event of this festival is the blessing of Saint Pierre (St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen) in the Church of Saint Michel on Sunday morning. The mass is followed by procession of the Conciliation Board and a blessing of the boats at sea. Throughout the weekend there are many events and attractions related to the sea.

The CASSIS FESTIVAL OF WINE AND THE GRAPE HARVEST (at the beginning of September)

This festival, which takes place in September each year, honours the Cassis wine industry by following a well established program:
A Mass given in the Provence language in the Church of Saint Michel
Traditional dancing on the Church square by local folkloric groups
Departure of the Great Cavalcade of Saint Eloi with horse drawn chariots
Parades of teams of horses in harness along with local folkloric groups
Tasting and sale of Cassis wines, organised by local wine growers