Fête de la Quintaine

A traditional event celebrated since the 15th century to honor Saint Leonard, the founder of the city and patron saint of prisoners.

The Quintaine is a small 1-meter-high wooden prison. It crosses the old town to the sound of the traditional tune, carried by the confreres of Saint Leonard. This is followed by the traditional photo in front of the collegiate church and the blessing of the Quintaine during the Solemn Mass. After the blessing, the Quintaine is carried in procession, hoisted onto a pole and then attacked and destroyed by racing riders armed with wooden sticks known as "quillous". Its fragments are distributed to spectators in accordance with tradition.

In the evening, crowds armed with brandets roam the town, shouting the Limousin cry: "Vivo la sen Lionar! En dau po! En dau lar!