Christmas traditions in Provence: family festivities and unique events
Each season has its charm in Provence. But if there’s one time of year when we particularly love this region, it’s at Christmas. What joy to see the old customs blend with more recent festivities! The combination creates a unique whole, making December a month rich in festivities in the South. This is what we wish to share with you today as we delve into the heart of Christmas traditions in Provence.
Christmas Traditions in Provence Within Families
Obviously, there are two types of Christmas traditions in Provence: those experienced in homes that strengthen family bonds, and those that animate the region. Let’s start with the former.
Preparing for a Provençal Christmas According to Tradition
In Provence, Christmas is not limited to the festivities surrounding December 25th. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we dedicate the entire last month of the year to it. Traditional Provençal Christmas begins on December 4th with a ritual unique to the region.
Sainte-Barbe
Most Christmas traditions in Provence are linked to the Christian religion. Sainte-Barbe is a tangible example. Each December 4th, Provençals are invited to place wheat grains in three cups (representing the Trinity), hoping they will sprout. Three weeks later, on Christmas, strong sprouts indicate a bountiful harvest to come. The three cups are displayed on the table of the Gros souper, which we will discuss a bit later in the article.
Provençal Santons
According to tradition, the nativity scene is set up in homes on the Sunday before Christmas. In ancient times, it was the ancestors’ nativity scene that was passed down from generation to generation… a tradition that is fading since everyone now wants to have their own nativity scene. However, one custom remains: adding a santon or accessory each year.
Speaking of Provençal santons, did you know their creation is credited to the French Revolution? Here’s why: In 1793, the revolutionaries closed churches to weaken the power of the clergy. The people, who could no longer see the Christmas nativity scene in religious buildings, decided to create their own miniatures at home. The characters were made of bread dough or papier-mâché and were called “little saints,” or santouns in Provençal, which eventually led to the word santon. As for the profession of santon-maker, it was pioneered by sculptor Louis Lagnel, who, one winter evening in 1798, noticed that the clay stuck to his shoes could be used to craft santons.
Returning to the nativity scene, while it is linked to Christianity, it is not solely composed of religious elements. It depicts the Nativity scene but also features old trades and important figures from Provence’s history, not to mention the essential accessories alongside the santons. Among them, you’ll find:
- Provençal hills;
- plants (especially boxwood and cypress) representing the rebirth at the winter solstice;
- flowers, berries, and aromatic plants, symbols of purity;
- water to recall baptism;
- as well as the star, an angel, a light, and the wheat from Sainte-Barbe.
Christmas Eve in Provence
After the preparation comes the celebration. In Provence, the Christmas Eve celebration on December 24th holds a special place in the Christmas festivities. Let’s see what it comprises.
- Le Cacho-Fio
Celebrated in Provence according to a specific ritual, this ceremony is found in other regions of France. In the South, it proceeds as follows:
- In autumn, a log from a fruit tree is left to dry in the sun;
On December 24th in the evening, the youngest and oldest in the family carry this log, making three rounds around the table or house;
- The log is placed in the fireplace and doused with wine;
- An incantation is recited;
- The ashes from the previous year’s cacho-fio are added to the hearth;
- The fire is lit with an olive branch.
This custom extends beyond Christmas, as the log is relit every evening until New Year’s Day. The ashes are kept until the next Christmas to protect from fires.
- Setting the Christmas Table
Traditionally, in Provence, the Christmas table is covered with three tablecloths, a symbol of the Trinity. The sprouted wheat is placed on it, along with three candles, and the fine dishes are used. In honor of the holiday spirit of solidarity, a place is reserved for the poor.
- The Composition of the Gros Souper
This is the affectionate name given to the Christmas meal in Provence. The adjective “gros” does not refer to the heaviness of the dishes (which are traditionally meatless) but rather to their number. For a successful Provençal Christmas, it is customary to prepare an extensive menu to call for abundance.
- The Provençal Tradition of the 13 Christmas Desserts
The most gourmands will linger on this delightful idea, while the curious will want to know the history of the 13 Provençal desserts. As mentioned several times in this article, Christmas traditions in Provence are linked to religion, directly or indirectly. The number of desserts, similarly, references the Last Supper of Christ, with 13 representing Jesus and the 12 apostles.
With the historical context established, let’s tantalize your taste buds with the list of the 13 Provençal desserts. For a successful Christmas meal, you should prepare (or buy) the following:
- A pompe à l’huile (a type of olive oil fougasse);
- Black nougat;
- White nougat;
- Dates;
- Mandarins or oranges;
- Winter melon (although it’s becoming less common);
- Grapes;
- Pears;
- Candied fruits or quince paste;
- Dried figs;
- Raisins;
- Almonds;
- Nuts or hazelnuts.
That said, the list can vary depending on towns or families.
📌 Now that you are fully immersed in the Christmas spirit, how about making it even more festive? Book at our campsite before January 15, 2025, and enjoy up to 15% off during our Early Booking promotion!
Christmas Events in Provence
It’s impossible to miss the Christmas spirit in December in our beautiful region. It’s everywhere. Here’s how it manifests.
Christmas Nativity Scenes in Provence
After discussing the nativity scenes present in our homes, let’s talk about the nativity scenes that animate the region during December. Some are larger versions of those found in homes and can be set up in churches or other buildings. Others are true live performances. Let’s look at those not to be missed this end of year 2024.
The Gassin Crèche
Don’t hesitate to stop by the tourist office in this charming village in Var. There you will discover a true work of art. Indeed, from December 8, 2024, to February 2, 2025, a Neapolitan nativity scene by artist Christian Léandre Ganga will be exhibited there. It’s sure to dazzle you!
The Life-Size Crib in Villars
Our campsite, Les Chênes Blancs, is located in the heart of the Luberon. If you come to stay, you’ll have plenty to do in the area, including discovering the famous ochres of the Provençal Colorado. Amid these spectacular cliffs, the village of Villars will present a Nativity scenography.
📌 We take this opportunity to inform you that our group owns another campsite in the Luberon. You have no more excuses not to discover this beautiful region of France.
Santon Fairs and Christmas Markets
Christmas markets pop up across France in December. And our beautiful department of Vaucluse is no exception. Christmas markets in Provence offer nothing much different from other regions except for their excellent gastronomy. Often, visitors frequent them as much for finding gifts as for tantalizing their taste buds.
📌 Looking for a Christmas market in the Vaucluse? Choose from this list.
In addition to Christmas markets, from mid-November, santon fairs appear in the region. As the name suggests, they are dedicated to the characters and accessories that animate the crèches. From tiny to large santons, there is something for everyone.
Live Shows Related to Christmas Traditions
Earlier, we mentioned the live nativity scene in Villars. But many other shows animate our beautiful Provençal villages during Christmas time. Here are two:
The Cacho-fio of Séguret
In this Vaucluse village, you can attend, on December 24th, a public version of the Cacho-fio described earlier in this article. This event will be followed by a performance titled Mystère des Bergers de Séguret, featuring three tableaux of the Nativity. A midnight mass celebrated in Provençal will conclude this Christmas Eve.
The Shepherds of Baux-de-Provence
With our neighbors in Baux-de-Provence, in the Alpilles (where you can discover our campsite La Vallée Heureuse), pastoral tradition is highlighted at Christmas. Each day during the school holidays, a flock of sheep and ewes passes through the village to reach the church square and its nativity scene décor. It’s an opportunity to discuss transhumance with the shepherds.
Our tour of Christmas traditions in Provence ends here. We hope this has inspired you to discover our beautiful region. Even though our campsite cannot welcome you at Christmas time, we want to give you a gift and make your Christmas festivities even more special. To do this, book at our campsite before January 15, 2025, and enjoy up to 15% off during our Early Booking promotion!
Sources:
https://www.ventouxprovence.fr/actualites/traditions-de-noel-en-provence.html