Culture and traditions
The Nord-Pas de Calais’ rich cultural offerings will impress you and the region’s friendly people will win your heart.
The Belfry towers
In towns throughout the north of France you’ll spot tall, imposing—often very ornate—towers. Symbols of commercial wealth and power, these belfry towers are integral parts of the region’s history.
In a time of religious and feudal power, belfries represented a desire for independence. The towers were first constructed in the 11th century with the beginning of the communal movement. The population and economic boom led to the creation of commercial “bourgs,” managed by organized merchant associations. These merchants—who would become bourgeois—demanded that their suzerain grant them administrative, judicial, and economic autonomy. Furthermore, they wished to possess their own tower—the belfry. The tower’s bell signals the beginning and end of the workday and the curfew, but also informs of danger or attack. Today, belfries remain places for festive gatherings.
To learn more about the belfry towers in the region
The Estaminets
The estaminet is to the Nord-Pas de Calais what the pub is to the British. A warm, cozy, and relaxed spot, the estaminet is an ideal place for gathering with friends or family over a beer or a local dish. You’ll also find a variety of traditional, wooden games—for both kids and adults, alike!
The Giants
A curious tradition in the north of France, “Giants”, as the name implies, are larger than life figures that come out during carnivals and festive gatherings. The Giants are carried through the streets (by one or more persons) alone, with their spouses, or with their families. Like humans, Giants are born, grow up, get married, have children and pass away. And each Giant has his or her “day out,” during the year, some dating as far back as the 16th century!
Standing as symbols of the cities in which they were designed and created, the giants are imaginary heroes, historical characters or even animals. The Nord-Pas de Calais region counts over 300 of them! There are Martin and Martine in the city of Cambrai, Lydéric and Phinaert in Lille or how about Madame Gayant in Douai who cannot seem to get her infamous husband—busy throwing back a few drinks with friends—to come home.
Have a look here at the Giants in action!
Carnival
From mid-January to mid-March, festive and colorful carnivals animate cities in the region. The carnival is a time of madness and mayhem, song and dance, good drink and good fun. Parade groups, in disguise or in drag, cross through the cities in a boisterous and exhilarating celebration, calling out to spectators, revealing some of the city’s secrets, and even throwing fish to some onlookers! The largest and most well known carnival in the region takes place in Dunkerque, where tens of thousands of dancers and parade groups participate in the festivities lasting over several weeks.
The carnival period is a reminder of times past when joyful celebrations and revelry took place before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Traditionally, sailors dressed up in disguises and partied, before setting off for Iceland for a year.
Today, the carnival in Dunkerque is an institution and to some, a religion. During the carnival, social classes disappear and everyone comes together to celebrate, singing and marching to the sounds of the tambourine, as the parade groups pay homage to hero Jean Bart. This is a carnival unlike any other you’ve seen!
Fairs and Flea/Antique Markets
During the year, the Nord-Pas de Calais region holds roughly 1300 fairs and flea/antique markets. The most famous flea/antique market by far is the annual braderie in Lille, which takes place the first weekend in September. With stands as far as the eye can see, the massive flea and antique market takes over the city, attracting more than 10,000 vendors and 2 million visitors from all over Europe.
Ducasses or kermesses in the Nord-Pas de Calais traditionally are fairs celebrating a village or neighborhood’s patron saint. In the past, everyone participated, dancing and drinking the day away.
Regional Language
WWI infantrymen not from the Nord-Pas de Calais invented the word chti or chtimi to call their buddies from the northern region. The word was a combination of the words ch’est ti, ch’est mi (meaning c’est toi; c’est moi, “it’s you” “it’s me”). Cht’i, a dialect of the Picard language, differs in pronunciation and vocabulary from town to town. Even for fluent French speakers, the dialect can be impossible to understand!
Regional Cuisine
The Nord-Pas de Calais region—far too often described as flat and foggy—has a regional gastronomy that is diverse and surprising, with talented local artisans, producers and chefs committed to delivering top quality fare. From flavorful cheeses and tasty beers to just-caught seafood and mouth-watering terrines, the region’s food and drink will please the most avid gourmet.
To learn more about the region’s gastronomy