Pezenas Carnival and the symbolic beasts

Meze has its bull, Montagnac its goat, Pezenas its colt.. since the Middle Ages, Herault's rural communities have chosen animals as emblems.

Representing a character from folklore, or a certain characteristic - like strength, in the bull’s case - these symbolic beasts set the theme for local festivals.

The 'colt' of Pezenas is a giant horse made out of chestnut-wood hoops, covered with blue, star-spangled cloth (the stars were once fleur de lys). In the past, this legendary creature went through the town begging alms - spectators at windows would throw down coins at the colt, and watch them roll down its neck.

Today, the colt is led through the streets by an attendant, dressed in red and white, and followed by musicians playing fifes and oboes.

The 'colt' of Pezenas was added to the list of Unesco World Heritage in 2005.

Pézenas Val d'Hérault Tourist Office
Tel : 33 (0)4 67 98 36 40