Les Bravades de Saint-Tropez

‘Les Bravades’ have taken place in Saint-Tropez for years on 16, 17 and 18 May. They are a display of the pride which residents of Saint-Tropez have in their glorious military past and of their deep devotion to their Patron Saint.

HISTORY In 68 AD, Saint Tropez publicly refused to renounce his Christian faith in front of Nero. Nero had him beheaded. His body was then placed in a boat with a rooster and a dog to symbolize the disrespect shown to the emperor. The boat was then pushed into the River Arno. It was carried by the currents to the shores of Saint-Tropez. At the end of the 15th century, the town of Saint-Tropez was rebuilt, fortified and repopulated. The role of the new inhabitants of Saint-Tropez was to defend the town and its surroundings. They also carried their weapons to celebrate the Saint's feast day, which took place on May 17 in the Saint-Tropez chapel "outside the walls". The tradition of honoring the Saint with arms has continued to the present day, after these privileges were abolished. PROGRAM For three days, the people of Saint-Tropez celebrate their Saint, carried by the "Cepoun" (guardians of the town's traditions), led by the "Capitaine de Ville". Tromblonades, gunpowder, processions through the town and masses make up the main part of this traditional festival.

From Friday 15 to Monday 18 May.

Free access.

Click here to download the program.