AD USQUE FIDELIS

Since 1558 this is the way the Tropéziens celebrate their town’s religious and military festival on 16, 17 and 18 May

LA BRAVADE

At the same time every year the villagers of Saint-Tropez wake up to the sound of cannon fire. Under the authority of the Town Captain and the Cepoun, the Provençal name for the guardian of the traditions of the town, these special celebrations can now begin.

THE BIRTH OF SAINT-TROPEZ

The Bravade celebrations commemorate the arrival of the body of Saint-Tropez’s Patron Saint, Saint TORPES, in the year 68. He had refused to give up his Christian faith and been beheaded by the Emperor Nero. His body was put into a boat in Pisa and left to float away. The Christian villagers found the boat washed-up on the shore, hid the body of the Martyred Saint and built a chapel in his name. Torpes eventually became Tropez.

AN HONOUR RESERVED ONLY FOR THE TROPEZIENS

Every year the villagers dress up in military uniforms, beat the tambour and fire their muskets in a magnificent procession, proudly passing through the streets. The procession « has always reflected just how attached the Tropéziens are to their religious and military history and heritage»: 700 village families are involved in the celebrations.

Based on the historical defenders of Saint-Tropez, the La Bravade unites the population in the celebration of a 450 year old tradition, which remains intact and has continued up to the present day.

ANCESTRAL TRADITIONS

A programme of three days of celebrations from a bygone age: a never-ending ballet of blunderbusses, church services and magnificent processions. The population unites to pay homage to their Patron Saint and honour the courage of their ancestors in the defence of their village.

The La Bravade is a moment for sharing, bringing together all generations to celebrate the values which have been at the heart of this beautiful village for so long. Come and celebrate TORPES. Mix with the crowd. Let yourself get carried along by the fervour of the town. Get intoxicated by the sound of the drums and whistles.

Very few can withstand the call of the La Bravade, with its famous battle cry « Faithful to the end ».

Billy G. Photographe - billygphotographe