Occitanie Region Launches Region-Wide Festival Celebrating 120 Years of Secularism
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The Occitanie region of France is currently hosting a comprehensive Festival of Secularism, featuring over 120 events across its 13 departments, officially commencing on Tuesday, December 3rd, in Toulouse. The initiative, spearheaded by the Region, the Regional Council for Secularism and Republican Values (CRLVR), and its president Carole Delga, marks a significant mobilization in defense of republican principles and commemorates the upcoming 120th anniversary of the landmark 1905 law.
A Region United in Celebrating Laïcité
The festival represents an “unprecedented mobilization” according to regional officials, aiming to bring the principles of secularism – laïcité in French – to life throughout the region. Events are being organized by citizens, associations, communities, and actors in the educational, cultural, and economic sectors, all united by a common goal: to demonstrate the practical application of secularism in everyday life.
“The 1905 law is a magnificent, precious law. We are therefore right to celebrate it,” stated Carole Delga, president of the Occitanie region. She further emphasized that fostering secularism also requires actively combating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
Diverse Events Across Occitanie
From December 6th through 8th, Toulouse and Montpellier will be focal points for cultural and sporting events, including documentary screenings, theatrical performances, artistic displays, a concert by Maog carvi, and relay races. The anniversary of the 1905 law, December 9th, will be commemorated simultaneously in the “Houses of my Region” located in each of the 13 departments. All programming is currently accessible on the Region’s website.
Recognizing Champions of Secular Values
The launch of the festival also included the presentation of the Secularism Prize, recognizing exemplary initiatives promoting the transmission and defense of republican principles. Nicolas Bouyer, a doctor in public law at Toulouse 1 Capitole University, received the scientific prize for his thesis on religion and equality in French public law. The territorial prize was awarded to the City of Masseube in Gers for establishing a municipal commission dedicated to secularism and its collaboration with local schools and residents. The youth prize honored the LE&C Grand Sud association for their innovative 3D reality escape game designed to raise public awareness of republican values. Finally, the Grand Prize for Secularism went to the team behind the film “Secularism, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” featuring actor Bruno Solo and director Yannick Séguier.
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National Impact and Ongoing Dialogue
Beyond the regional scope, Carole Delga is contributing to a national discussion on secularism through her involvement with the Jean Jaurès Foundation’s work, “Long live secularism! 50 contributions for the 120 years of the 1905 law.” The report is scheduled to be presented to the National Assembly on December 8th.
Delga underscored the importance of education in promoting secularism, particularly among young people, and dispelling misinformation circulating on social media. She described secularism not as a theoretical concept confined to textbooks or official statements, but as a living principle experienced daily in communities and reflecting real-world challenges. This vision aligns with the festival’s aim to serve as a platform for transmission, dialogue, and social cohesion.
