Celebrating Occitan language in the heart of Luchon
Adishatz! From Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026, Hèsta Gascona returns to Bagnères-de-Luchon for three days dedicated to Gascon language, music and culture.
Organised by La Pastorala, the festival invites residents and visitors to discover local culture through language sessions, polyphonic singing, traditional dances, storytelling, theatre, talks, concerts, walks, games and a market featuring local producers and craftspeople. Wood will be the central theme of the 2026 edition.
Connecting a local festival with Words as Worlds
Within the French strand of the Erasmus+ project Words as Worlds, Association Petite Graine is focusing on Occitan as a minority language and exploring the connections between language, identity, inclusion and belonging.
The project’s needs analysis highlights the importance of increasing the visibility of minority languages in everyday life, supporting their transmission to younger generations and creating opportunities for language communities to share their culture with wider audiences. It also promotes creative approaches such as storytelling, theatre, music and participatory workshops to make languages engaging and accessible to young people.
Hèsta Gascona puts these ideas into practice. During the festival, Gascon Occitan becomes part of public spaces, performances, conversations, songs and family activities.
Discovering and practising Gascon Occitan
The programme offers several opportunities to discover the language or develop existing knowledge.
An introduction to Gascon will take place every day from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Dancing du Casino. On Friday 14 August, a talk on the Languages of France will begin at 4:00 p.m. On Saturday 15 August, another session will explore Basque influences on Gascon Occitan from 10:00 a.m.
The language will also be present through Contes de Gasconha, an Occitan theatre performance with French surtitles, polyphonic singing workshops, collective singing sessions known as cantèras, exhibitions on Occitan music and culture, and introductions to traditional dance.
No previous knowledge is required to take part. Visitors can begin with a few simple words: Adishatz means hello or goodbye, while Mercés means thank you.
A language remains alive when it is shared
Language transmission does not happen only in classrooms. It also takes place through songs, stories, dances, games, shared meals and encounters between generations.
Through activities for children, beginner-friendly workshops, performances and community gatherings, Hèsta Gascona allows people of all ages to experience Occitan in a living and welcoming environment.
Association Petite Graine is pleased to promote this local event as part of Words as Worlds and encourages young people, families, residents and visitors to discover the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Luchon area.
Practical information
Dates: Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026
Location: Bagnères-de-Luchon, mainly around the Casino and in the town centre
Admission: most activities are free, subject to availability
Registration: some workshops, courses and performances require advance registration or booking.
Link: https://lahesta.com/
Vos esperam nombrós!
