THE CHERRY FESTIVAL & CÉRET DE BANDAS

Céret is not only a city of art and history. When people talk about Céret, cherries inevitably come up! It’s also the first town in France to harvest cherries each year, usually by mid-May. This early ripening has become a source of local pride. Every year, the first fruits are sent to the Élysée Palace, a tradition dating back to the 1930s.

Join the celebration of this delicious local red fruit by exploring the various stands of the local producers’ market. Special moments of connection arise around the colorful displays. Over two festive days, enjoy tastings of cherry-themed products, lively performances from “bandas” (traditional marching brass bands from southern France), concert-aperitifs, and the famous cherry pit spitting contest! Local restaurants also take part: chefs create cherry-inspired menus. Expect a vibrant end of May in Céret — a true feast for young and old alike!

At the same time, Céret de Bandas transforms the town into a giant stage of live music. The Bandas, traditional brass bands from the South-West and beyond, roam the streets playing festive, quirky, and always upbeat tunes. Trumpets, drums, tubas, and saxophones come together in one joyous breath: the spirit of celebration.

Bands take over the streets and squares, improvise mini-concerts at cafés, and get all generations dancing. A Bandas competition crowns the most original and energetic groups, as the night lights up with music and joy. A large stage and musical entertainment continue into the evening.

Children marvel at the colorful parades, take part in cherry-themed workshops, and enjoy cotton candy to the sounds of brass instruments. Families stroll through the market, relax on shaded terraces, and share simple yet precious moments. Young people gather in lively squares, while music lovers follow the Bandas through the streets in a musical treasure hunt.

The Cherry Festival and Céret de Bandas take place every year in mid-May in Céret’s city center. Entry is free, and the streets become pedestrian-friendly for the occasion, allowing for easy and pleasant circulation. Shuttle services are often available from outer parking areas. Arrive early to fully enjoy the festivities and avoid late-day crowds. The atmosphere is festive yet friendly, with enhanced security to ensure a safe and joyful experience for all.

Why not take this opportunity to explore Céret differently? After a terrace drink and a lingering band tune in your ear, visit the Museum of Modern Art, stroll beneath the century-old plane trees of Boulevard Maréchal Joffre, or hike up into the Vallespir hills for breathtaking views.

Céret welcomes you with its southern charm, living traditions, and a sincere, simple way of life. Every cherry, every note, every shared laugh tells a piece of this unique identity.