The Traditional Cavalcade of Apt, Provence

An Historical Provencal Carnival

Mar 18, 2009 Heidi Brand

The Apt Corso, a celebration as deeply rooted in local Provencal life as the olives and vines that grow in abundance in this part of France, dates back to the 1800's.

It all began in 1857, when the first Festival of the Cavalcade of Apt, or Corso, was organised by the youth of Apt and was held around Easter-time. In 1878 a Committee was formed and, due to the inclement weather at that time of year, the procession was changed to Whit Sunday and Monday was added to the celebrations, extending it to a two day event.

In 1937 the participation of all the Folkloric Societies of France, helped to establish the festival as a significant celebration for the local community.

Under the Shadow of War and OccupationThe Corso of 1939 remains an enduring triumph for the town of Apt, when under the shadow of war, it incorporated the Historical Reconstitution of French Military Music from 1640 to 1939, involving fifteen of the best musical troops of the region.

Sadly, exaltation was replaced by sadness, when it seemed that five years of war and occupation would remove the Corso from the festival calendar. But in 1946, thanks to the fortitude and zeal of the reformed Committee a programme equalling the previous spectacles was delivered and in 1948 a third day (Saturday), to celebrate sport, was added.

The resurgence of the Corso continued when the Committee, with agreement from the local authority, organised a fourth day (Friday) of celebrations to be held on the eve of the Whit holiday and the addition of a large fair.

The Present Day Carnival

The Apt Corso has become a festival devoted to art, sport and the activities of local industries. Throughout its history the organisers have made it a point of honour to refuse any outside involvement. Their aim to preserve the artistic and local character is as real today as it was over 150 years ago and underlines the Corso's reputation still.

Carnival Held during the Pentecost HolidayThese days the celebrations commence on the Friday evening of the Pentecost weekend, with the opening of the fun fair which sits like a giant, pulsating, neon cuckoo in the Cours Lauze de Perret, an open space just outside the old town normally reserved for market stalls and parking. The carnival processions are held on the Saturday evening and Whit Sunday afternoon.

Locally Designed and Created FloatsThe floats are designed and displayed by local schools, voluntary associations and youth groups, and take a year from conception to show time.

Each one represents a different element of the Provencal culture and tradition of which these people are so proud. Some floats are eye-catching in their simplicity - a single trailer decorated with flowers - while others tower above their riders and onlookers.

Festival of Provencal Folklore Some celebrate the history of the region with giant paper maché models depicting the white horses, black bulls and flamingoes of the Camargue. While others concentrate on recreating more local scenes of the nearby ochre mines of Roussillon, for example. But whatever their size or complexity, every float is pulled by a little tractor. Normally found in the fields tilling the soil or carrying grapes in the autumn, on carnival day these little machines gleam. Decorated with garlands of vibrant flowers the immense passion and pride of their drivers is audible.

Modern entertainers, such as stilted jugglers, local brass bands, even fire eaters join the parade nowadays as it snakes through the centre of the town. The acrid smell of the fire eaters' oil mixes with smoky diesel and the hot sugar from the fun fair food stalls just feet away, all adding to the unique atmosphere that is the Corso of Apt.

A full programme of events and information about the town of Apt can be obtained from the Tourist Office.

How do I get to the Apt Corso?Apt lies in the centre of the Luberon National Park surrounded by the Luberon mountain range on the D900, 53Km from Avignon and 70Km from Marseille.

Flights to ProvenceMarseille-Provence airport is served by British Airways, EasyJet, Ryan Air and Air France, daily, all year.

Avignon-Caumont airport is served by Flybe and Jet 2 - flights are restricted.

Provence by TrainThe high-speed TGV runs to Avignon everyday from Paris or Lille. Public transport buses are avaliable daily between the TGV station and Apt.

The copyright of the article The Traditional Cavalcade of Apt, Provence in W Europe Travel is owned by Heidi Brand. Permission to republish The Traditional Cavalcade of Apt, Provence in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Traditional Floats, Apt Corso	Floats gather for the Apt Corso	Floats depict the local ochre mines, Apt Corso
Local marching band, Apt Corso	Traditonal Dancers at the Apt Corso