In a vibrant celebration of tradition and community spirit, the small French villages of Charnay, Sainte-Euphémie, Champagny-sous-Uxelles, and Trambly recently played host to the lively “classes en 6” festivals—a decades-old custom that transforms local streets into a dazzling spectacle of color, music, and camaraderie. The 2026 edition of these events drew crowds from across Europe, turning rural gatherings into must-see cultural experiences that blend generations and cultures in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.
A Tradition That Bridges Generations
The “classes en 6” festivals—named for the final digit of participants’ birth years—are more than just parades. They’re a living tradition where villagers of all ages come together to organize, perform, and celebrate. In Charnay, the heart of this year’s festivities, the event took on an international flair, with attendees traveling from as far as Brittany and Denmark to join the revelry. The village’s “classe en 6” group, a tight-knit collective of around 50 members (with a core of 25 dedicated organizers), has become a model for how small communities can keep heritage alive while embracing new influences.
Jérôme Debeneditis, the group’s president, described the festival as a way to “find joy in coming together, across all generations.” For newcomers to the village, it’s also a chance to integrate—something Debeneditis himself experienced 14 years ago. “It’s a simple, convivial way to become part of the community,” he said. The group’s activities revolve around a few key events: an annual general assembly, a handful of planning meetings, and their signature paella dinner, held every June to fundraise for their decade-long celebrations (or “demi-décades” for shorter getaways).
This year’s festivities in Charnay were particularly poignant, as the group honored their late doyen, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 85. His legacy was on full display during the village’s April weekend, which featured a carnival-themed parade that brought the streets to life. Participants in their 10s and 20s crafted floats inspired by the Rio Carnival, while the 30- and 40-somethings paid homage to Dunkirk’s giant carnival figures. The 50-and-up crowd stole the show with a Venetian-themed float, complete with elaborate masks and costumes. The parade was a riot of color and sound, but the Dunkirk-inspired giants—towering, whimsical figures—were the undeniable highlight.
From Local Gatherings to Viral Moments
While the “classes en 6” festivals are deeply rooted in local culture, their appeal is spreading. In Sainte-Euphémie, this year’s parade was a standout, with participants donning elaborate costumes and marching through the village to the delight of spectators. Meanwhile, in Champagny-sous-Uxelles, the celebration took a more intimate turn, with a festive and food-filled day that brought the community together over shared meals and laughter. Trambly’s event, though smaller in scale, was no less spirited, proving that the tradition thrives even in the tiniest of villages.
The festivals have also caught the attention of social media, where clips of the parades and performances are finding new audiences. One Instagram post from the group Batucada Le Gangouf teased an upcoming “wave of conscripts” in Cogny, promising a night of high-energy drumming and dancing. The post, which went live in January 2026, hinted at the infectious energy that defines these events—where music, movement, and community spirit collide.
Why These Festivals Matter
At a time when digital connections often overshadow in-person gatherings, the “classes en 6” festivals offer a refreshing reminder of the power of shared traditions. They’re not just about preserving the past; they’re about creating new memories, fostering inclusivity, and proving that even the smallest villages can host celebrations with outsized charm. For the organizers in Charnay, the festivals are a labor of love—one that requires time and effort but delivers moments of pure joy.
“It’s not always easy to find the time to get involved,” admitted one member. “But once you’re in, it’s always a great time together.” With plans already underway for future gatherings, it’s clear that this tradition isn’t going anywhere—it’s only growing, one parade float and paella dinner at a time.
