Fête des Cocus 2025 in Étréchy (91): parade, dinner show, funfair and flea market this weekend

The Fête des Cocus et des Coquettes returns to Étréchy from June 6 to 8, 2025, with Egypt as its theme. The only town in France to keep this age-old tradition alive, Étréchy combines folklore, humor and festive spirit for an unusual weekend in Essonne (91).

Folklore, fanfare and celebration! In Étréchy (91), we've found the perfect excuse to get together, sing, dance and have a laugh... to be a cuckold! Yes, yes, you read that right. And there's no question of blushing! From June 6 to 8, 2025, this littleEssonne town is back for its famous Fête des Cocus et des Coquettes, a colorful folk tradition unique in France, and the last to be celebrated here. And this year, it's all about the pyramids: Egyptian ambience on the agenda!

But where does this strange custom come from? Let's go back to the dawn of time - literally. The festival is thought to be a distant heritage of pagan Celtic rites, which honored Cernunnos, the Gallic god of nature, wild beasts and virility, recognizable by his crown of deer antlers. In the 15th century, a hundred or so towns in the north of France and the Paris basin honored the "cornus", later known as the "cocus", in a joyfully mocking atmosphere. Today, Étréchy is the only town to keep this country carnival alive, with a real sense of festivity!

And since 1999, the festival has become more emancipated. Women have also entered the dance with the creation of the Coquettes, a women's fraternity that adds an inclusive touch to this already unbridled celebration.

What's on the program for the Whitsun weekend? Festive parades, symbolic cremation, themed evening, flea market, funfair and flashy costumes in shades of yellow, red, green and blue. In short, an open-air guinguette, in partnership with the Comité des Fêtes and the town of Étréchy.

Programme for the Fête des Cocus 2025 in Etréchy :

Funfair on the fairgrounds all weekend long

Friday, June 6, 2025

7pm: Festive evening around the bandstand in Place Charles de Gaulle, with DJs and food stalls from Aromatik, Boucherie du Centre, Chai Chloé, Comptoir & Co, Le Strep and Les Gourmets d'Etréchy.
9:30pm: Presentation of the key to the city of Etréchy to the Confrérie des Cocus by the Mayor.
9:45pm: Distribution of illuminated objects
10pm: Parade to the Champ de Foire with the Confrérie des Cocus, the Sorcières d'Ostrach and the Harmonie d'Etréchy.
10:30pm: Show by the Danseuses d'or at the Champ de foire, followed by a reception hosted by the Confrérie des Cocus.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

10am: Conference "History of the Confrérie des Cocus" by Michel Petit, Grand Maistre of the Confrérie des Cocus, Salle du conseil in the town hall.
2pm: Hiking organized by Strépirando, 6 or 9 kms
Departure from Stade Yao Koffi-Roger Carenton. Hiking or sports shoes required.
2pm to 6pm: Games afternoon organized by the Confrérie des Cocus, with Cadets Circus, Ateliers Santé, Atelier d'Etréchy, SAE, Etréchy et son passé and Confrérie St Vincent. Buvette des Cocus. At Parc de l'Europe. Under parents' responsibility.
2 pm to 6 pm: "La confrérie des Cocus"exhibition by the Confrérie des Cocus, at the washhouse.
7:30pm: Opening of the Espace Jean Monnet for an Egyptian dinner-show with the Bell'Masry troupe (Egyptian dancers and musicians), DJ, snake exhibition (Les chihuahuas du Bonheur) and photo booth.

Sunday, June 08, 2025

8am to 6pm: Garage sale organized by the Badminton Club in the Parc de la Villa Monplaisir. Catering and refreshments on site
2pm to 6pm: "La confrérie des Cocus"exhibition, organized by the Confrérie des Cocus, at the washhouse.
3.30pm: At the station: departure of the grand parade, with a pharaonic parade (Cie Mozaik), and the Confrérie des Cocus, Comité des Fêtes, Harmonie, Cadet's Circus, Comité Les Amis du jumelage, Conseil Municipal des Enfants, MG Lithothérapie, Etablissement FAM L'essor de Fontenay lès Briis and the Sorcières d'Ostrach. Come and admire them, dressed in Egyptian costumes!
5pm: Cremation of the Grand Cocu, fairground

Monday, June 09, 2025

2 to 6 p.m.: Exhibition "La confrérie des Cocus" (The Cocus brotherhood) by the Confrérie des Cocus, at the washhouse.

Here, horns are worn with pride, and a forgotten tradition is revived with a burst of laughter and confetti. You don't have to be a cuckold to come, just a good sense of humor... and a desire to party!