Down in Southwest France they celebrate the luscious cherry, which ripens towards the end of May to early June, a sure sign of summer!
- The town of Céret (66 Pyrenees-Orientales, Occitanie) southwest of Perpignan hosts its Cherry Festival La Fête de la Cerise et Céret de Bandas
- 18 – 19 May 2024
From tha arrrival of the first French cherries from mid-April, Ceret has proved to be the ideal area for the cherry trees which have been established here for over 150 years. Take part in the festival which celebrates this delicious local fruit, exploring the various stands of the local producers’ market. On the program for the two days of festivities: a range of different products all centred around Vallespir’s iconic fruit, musicians playing the “bandas”, the traditional fanfares typical to the festivals of southern France, ‘apéros concerts’ which combine good refreshments with good music, and of course, the famous cherry pip spitting competition! The local restaurantsalso get involved as chefs concoct special cherry-flavoured menus to try. A host of activities take place in Céret at the end of May as the town which dances to the beat of the bandas puts on a big party for gourmands of all ages !
Cerise is the common name for cherry, but you may also see them sold as griottes and under other names, depending on the variety and region. This fêtes are usually a joyous celebration of the fruit and music which fills the town and often include a Cherry Market (0f course) along the streets of the village, music, craft and local produce market!
Local restaurants will feature dishes based on cherries!
Céret lies southwest of Perpignan.
For more info see www.vallespir-tourisme.fr
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