The Festival of Babau

The Festival of Babau recalls the highlights of the tale by bringing the monster to life.

This event is based on a 12th century legend from Rivesaltes in the Pyrénées-Orientales, which tells how the monster called ‘Le Babau’ (half-iguana, half-dragon) broke through the town’s defensive walls and devoured several children.

At 11am on an August morning, Le Babau makes his first appearance in the streets of the town, accompanied by a legendary giant and giantess, Galdric Trencavent with his wife Radegona, and followed by a posse of young riders.

Decorated floats, stilt-walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters join the swelling procession during the course of the day, accompanied by rousing music. In the early evening, the music becomes even more deafening, as if to drown out the screams of the cornered monster as his end draws near. He is ritually sacrificed at nightfall on a bonfire, and sent on his way with a shower of fireworks.

Rivesaltes Tourist Office (in French)
Tel : 33 (0)4 68 64 04 04