The Périgueux Carnival – France’s Devilish Festivity
The Périgueux Carnival in southwest France is a vibrant celebration steeped in centuries-old belief. Beyond the parades and costumes, it carries deep-rooted customs said to bless the land, protect livestock, and even ward off pests.
Folklore and Fertility Rituals
Villagers once believed that Carnival marked the time to cleanse and renew both home and field. The noise and smoke of the celebrations were said to drive out fleas, spiders, and cockroaches, making way for a prosperous year.
Local rituals blended everyday life with superstition. Farmers would toss broth into the cowshed for luck, rest a bone on the oldest cow’s head for strength, and save the best pancake for hens to ensure good laying. A single shotgun blast fired into the night symbolised the expulsion of evil spirits — a ritual of protection that echoed across the Périgord countryside.
When the Devil Dances
According to local legend, the Devil himself joins the festivities once night falls. He appears as either a horned goat or a suffering man with a pitchfork, dancing among revellers before retreating to the woods. There, he is said to preside over a witches’ Sabbath — a wild gathering of spirits and sorcery.
His presence is not entirely feared. The story teaches that excess during Carnival has its price, reminding all to balance pleasure with restraint before Lent begins.
Weather and Wisdom
Regional sayings claim that Carnival weather foretells the year’s harvest. Rain promises a good yield of buckwheat and nuts, while others insist that Mardi Gras always coincides with a February new moon. The connection between sky and soil runs deep, linking celebration with agricultural hope.
Recreating Carnival Atmosphere
At We Are Tricycle, we capture the same blend of festivity and folklore found in the Périgueux Carnival. Our Themed Events team can design immersive celebrations filled with colour, sound, and custom detail.
Choose from Fairground Rides, Carnival Games, and Carnival Decor to bring the vibrancy of a French street parade to your venue. Combine attractions like Basketball | Slam Dunk, Ball In The Globe Round Stall Hire, and Carousels for a festive centrepiece, or introduce darker storytelling through Halloween Fairground Rides and Ghost Train experiences.
Carnival Hire Across the UK
Just as Périgueux draws communities together, our services span the whole country. From Lancashire to Fairground Rides & Funfair Attractions For Hire Lancashire, and across every county listed on our Areas We Cover page, we provide complete Fairground & Funfair Hire solutions.
For bespoke branding or event-specific designs, visit How to brand and customise funfair rides to see how your Carnival vision can take shape.
Plan Your Own Carnival Celebration
From corporate activations to community festivals, We Are Tricycle offers everything you need to create your own Carnival — filled with colour, energy, and excitement. Explore Fairground Side Stalls and Games, Food Carts & Bars, and themed décor to bring this French folklore to life at your next event.