Brought up to date by the Sites Remarquables du Goût, the Confrérie de la Sardine and the municipality of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Arrival of the Spring Sardine is a local festival from the early 20th century that lasted until the 1940s.
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Presentation of: PRINTEMPS DE LA SARDINE
This event marks the start of the season for this migratory fish, which is present on our coasts from April to October.
A wide range of events are on offer over 2 weeks, from mid-April to early May, throughout the Pays de Saint Gilles: gourmet itineraries, sardinades, concerts, gravel events, exhibitions, guided tours, etc.
Arrival of the spring sardine on 3 May 2025, quai Marcel Bernard, from 10am to 5.30pm.
On the programme:
10am: Departure of the parade (from the entrance to the rue du Général de Gaulle on the bridge side, to the fishing port) with the Confrérie de la Sardine, the local folk group Bise Dur and the Veuze ringers from La Garnache.
10:30am: Arrival of the parade at the fishing port, along with the sardine boats. The fishing boats disembark and the first basket of sardines is presented to the Mayor.
11am: Speeches, presentation of cheques to the SNSM and induction of six personalities into the Confrérie de la Sardine. Village of stands representing local fishing industry players.
11am-4pm: Sardinade, where you can enjoy freshly grilled sardines in the harbour, in a convivial atmosphere.
Musical entertainment with : Bise Dur, Hope La Vie choir and the Sonneurs de Veuze from La Garnache.
2pm-5pm: - Quayside visit of the old sailing ship "Le Hope", an old fishing boat and traditional sailing ship listed as a Historic Monument.
Visit of the SNSM boat "Louise le Louarn".
Visit of a trawler
Baptism of Baleinière open to all and free of charge. Multi-purpose boat, used in Saint Gilles croix de Vie for sardine fishing, with gill net.
Visits to the Escale Pêche sea fishing discovery centre, at a special rate from 2.30pm to 5pm. Access to the temporary exhibition "Croix-de-vie, au rythme de la débarque".
