The Joan of Arc Festival is added to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The initiative is aimed at gaining recognition for, showcasing and safeguarding "The Joan of Arc Festival in Orléans", with emphasis placed on: 

• its historical and anthropological aspects
• the importance of passing its message on
• its perpetuation

First held in 1430, this Festival in Joan of Arc's honour still retains the original organisation of the very first procession, which harks all the way back to a model born under the Ancien Régime, before the French Revolution, and it is therefore the last remaining demonstration of this kind in France. 

This recognition is the fruit of a long-term endeavour, which first began back in January 2014, and has been conducted closely between the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs (DRAC) and Orléans City Hall. 

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Les fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc à Orléans - Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Factsheet