Troménie de Locronan – Petite Troménie: 8 July 2012

Twelve kilometres of prayer

Picture 1 Troménie de Locronan – Petite Troménie: 8 July 2012

In Breton, troménie means ‘walk around a sacred place’. The troménie in Locronan takes place every six years and is a totally unique event. Every time, thousands of people, some dressed in traditional costume, take part in the 12 km procession.

The song says it’s ‘a long and winding road’, but distance is no object for this religious procession, dedicated to Saint Ronan and dating back to the 5th century AD. Every six years, the great troménie leaves Locronan and follows an old sacred path, whose 12 kilometre circuit is dotted with twelve stations, each of which is linked to specific religious rites. During the troménie, the young people of Locronan lead the procession, followed by the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. In all, thousands take parts in this event, many dressed in traditional costume for the occasion and carrying their villages’ banners. A very impressive procession whether you’re a believer or not. And if you are too impatient to wait six years for the next great troménie (open to both locals and tourists), a smaller version is organised each year on the second Sunday in July.

Further information: www.locronan.org