LThe Bravade of Fréjus, a centuries-old tradition in honor of Saint Francis of Paola
Every year, on the third Sunday after Easter, Fréjus perpetuates a tradition deeply rooted in its history: the Bravade, a religious and popular festival in honor of its patron saint, François de Paule. This festival revolves around an armed procession, where men and children of the city put on old uniforms to parade through the streets to the sound of fifes, drums and numerous gunshots.
For four days, the city lives to the rhythm of religious and civil ceremonies, as well as popular culture festivities. Organized by the association Les Amis de Saint-François de Paule et des Traditions Fréjusiennes, with the help of the Fréjus folk groups La Miougrano and Le Cepoun, guarantors of the local cultural heritage, the Bravade is much more than a simple tribute to San Francès de Paulo. It bears witness to Fréjus' attachment to its history and its Provençal traditions, between faith, fervor and conviviality.
The program of the 2025 edition
The Savior of Fréjus
At the end of the 15th century, Fréjus was hit by an epidemic of the Black Death which ravaged the population, leaving the survivors with two options: confine themselves to their homes or flee to the surrounding countryside.
An apostle of Charity, Francis of Paola left his native Calabria to answer the call of Pope Sixtus IV and go to the King of France. However, upon arriving in Marseille, his ship was forced to turn back, the port being closed due to the plague raging on the Provençal coast. After being rejected everywhere, the boat finally docked at the small port of Bormes-les-Mimosas, where Francis performed his first miracle in Provence. The monk and his companions then continued on their way to Fréjus, an ancient Roman port city. In the deserted streets, where a deathly silence reigned, Francis met a woman, Misé Bertole, to whom he asked the reason for this desolation. “It’s the plague,” she replied.
Filled with compassion, the saint then implores divine Mercy for this city so harshly tried. His prayer is answered, and the plague will never again strike Fréjus.
The devotion of the people of Fréjus to their patron saint will continue through the centuries. The motivations of the Bravadeurs may vary, but their commitment and gratitude to Saint Francis of Paola remain unwavering.
Charity Humility.
A little more about Bravade
Since he delivered Fréjus from the plague in 1482, the city has honored Saint Francis of Paola. Indeed, devotions and processions have been attested since the XNUMXth century. However, it was at the end of the XNUMXth century that the Bravade took its current form. At that time, it became an armed procession, punctuated by musketry, fifes and drums. These elements thus add pomp and solemnity to the celebration. Furthermore, the Bravade, a great religious and popular festivity of the XNUMXth century, has never been interrupted, although it has sometimes been reduced during troubled periods.
What are the key moments of the Bravade and when do the main processions take place?
The key moments of the Bravade de Fréjus take place over four days, with major events each day.
-Friday evening: concert by the Bravade drum and bugle band.
-Saturday evening: nautical procession and arrival of the saint in Port-Fréjus, followed by a grand lantern march to the cathedral. The evening ends with dancing around the bonfire in front of the Saint-François chapel.
-Sunday morning: high mass called military, followed by the dance of the stump at the exit of the service.
-Sunday afternoon: great procession of the Bravade through the city, punctuated by musketry fire and songs, before the coronation of the saint in front of the cathedral.
-Monday: thanksgiving mass at the Saint-François chapel.
Can visitors participate in Bravade events or wear traditional costumes?
La Bravade is a festival open to all. All the people of Fréjus, residents and visitors alike, are invited to follow the processions, applaud the parades and immerse themselves in the festivities. By tradition, it is customary to wear a red and white outfit, in the colours of the city.
It is also possible to participate in the Bravade in costume. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact the association Les Amis de Saint François de Paule or the Fréjus folk groups, who will be happy to provide a costume to participants wishing to experience
What are the cultural and religious aspects of Bravade that make it unique compared to other Provençal festivals?
Like all Provençal festivals, the Bravade de Fréjus combines popular piety and convivial festivities. What makes it unique is above all its spectacular form and its scale. Noisy and colorful, it brings together a small reconstituted army, led with rigor but in a festive spirit. More than 70 rifles and blunderbusses resound to the rhythm of the shots
of honour, while fifes and drums accompany the parades in period uniforms, under the command of a general and his staff. In Fréjus, the Bravade is also distinguished by several specific traditions:
• The symbolic meeting between the Saint and the Old Woman,
• The presence of the Charitas boat,
• The enthusiasm of the small army of children, composed of chivau frus, zouaves, turcos, sailors and hussars, who fervently perpetuate this
centuries-old heritage.
This unique blend of faith and Provençal culture gives the Bravade its unique character, deeply rooted in the Fréjus identity.
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