
Our Tolosa has many little names. Pink city, rugby capital, Occitan capital, Pays de Cocagne… But do you know the nickname “City of Violets” also given to Toulouse? On Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23, 2025, the Fête de la Violette will come to life on the magnificent Place du Capitole. The symbolic flower, which enjoyed its heyday in the first half of the 20th century, will be celebrated.
The legend behind the Fête de la Violette
Legend has it that the flower was first brought to France by an Italian soldier. He gave it as a gift to his sweetheart, who lived in Saint-Jory. This rural commune is still located some twenty kilometers north of Toulouse. It was here that the first crops were grown and sold in the markets. As a result, at the height of production, no fewer than 600,000 bouquets were produced each year!
However, violet cultivation is threatened with extinction. So, in 1985, agricultural engineer Adrien Roucolle decided to save it by setting up a plant conservatory and using in vitrocreation. In 1993, the Terre de Violettes association launched its own Violet Festival! The event was officially taken over by the city of Toulouse in 2003.
Free festivities and a host of activities
Free and open to all, the Fête de la Violette will take over the cobblestones of Place du Capitole on Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23, 2025, from 10am to 6pm. On the program: a market of violets and artisanal creations based around the flower. You’ll be able to spoil yourself with perfumes, candles, sweets, pastries, cosmetics… As well as violet potting and fun activities… We can already smell the delicious aroma of this emblematic flower in our nostrils!
📍 La Fête de la Violette, Saturday February 3 and Sunday February 4, 2024, 10am-6pm, Place du Capitole. Free and open to all.