Traditional festivals
Every first weekend in May, the traditional Papopay festival takes place in Rieux-Volvestre. Three days of festivities combining a funfair, shows, traditional parades and the famous Papogay shooting competition.
Legend of Papogay
Papogay means ‘parrot’ in Occitan. This traditional festival has its origins in the ancient legend of Papopay. It was the first Sunday in May, and Satan had transformed himself into a parrot, into Papogay. It is said that he haunted the region and wanted to seduce the princess, the daughter of the city’s lord. Fearing that his daughter would be bewitched, the lord ordered the inhabitants to chase him away, promising them his treasure and the princess. Armed with tools and bows, the villagers rushed to chase him through the village and the countryside. It was then that a young shepherd named Tantiro pierced the evil bird and won the tender heart of the young princess and the title of King of Rieux.
Since, the tradition of Papogay has been passed down from generation to generation, involving many of the village’s men (circa 100). The Compagnie des Archers continues Papogay shooting for over 400 years.
Shooting at Papogay
Every year, the game consists of knocking down a 4.5kg wooden bird fixed to the top of a pole. The archer touching the bird is proclaimed King of Papogay and reigns over Rieux-Volvestre for the whole year. More specifically, there are three titles up for grabs: the kinglet, the king of the middle class, and the king of Papogay. Every year, children, teenagers, and adults attempt to knock down the Papogay.
According to the titles, the masts are not the same size: the kinglet (14 metres), the king of the middle (25 metres) and the king of Papogay (45 metres).
- The kinglet is 14 metres high and is for children aged 7 to 12.
- The king of the middle is 25 metres high and is for teenagers aged 13 to 18.
- The King of Papogay is 45 metres and if for adults from 18.
At the beginning, the Mayor shoots the first arrow. Then, all arches and the king of the year shoot together. They shoot their arrows until the coveted bird falls and proclaims the new King of Papogay.
The royal big procession
The streets of Rieux-Volvestre are lit up with the bright colours of the Papogay festival: green and yellow;
as well as those of the costumes worn during the royal parade.
450 period costumes !
The most spectacular moment of the festivities is the grand royal parade on Sunday afternoon. For the occasion, nearly 450 people in costume set off from the cathedral and wind their way through the narrow streets of Rieux-Volvestre to reach the shooting range. The grand parade also features eight floats, marching bands, archers, the King of Papogay and his lady from the previous year, and elected officials.
Le Papogay embodies the spirit of conviviality and hospitality of the Volvestre region, where every moment shared becomes a celebration of traditions and friendship.
Don’t miss the Papogay celebrations. They are a truly festive occasion!
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