The town of Chancelade hosted the second edition of the Occitan Encounters on October 9 and 10, 2026. These two days were marked by discoveries, activities, and cultural exchanges, culminating in the unveiling of a new plaque honoring Joan-Pau Verdier on the esplanade named after him since 2024.
The first day was dedicated to schoolchildren. In the auditorium of the community center, elementary school students watched an animated film in Occitan and learned about past trades. The Joan-Pau-Verdier esplanade also hosted traditional wooden games, which were very popular. In the evening, the association Novelum – IEO 24 organized an interactive quiz titled "You speak Occitan without knowing it!", highlighting the presence of the Occitan language in everyday vocabulary.
Despite gloomy weather, Saturday began in a warm atmosphere. Participants in the hike organized by Les Ardents du Pied explored the history of place names in Chancelade. Meanwhile, the association Lo Bornat dau Perigòrd animated the esplanade by preparing the traditional sobronade, making wood-fired waffles, and demonstrating lacemaking. Nearly 70 guests shared the sobronade, perpetuating the gesture of «fà chabroù».
The afternoon offered a continued immersion into Occitan culture with introductions to the language, lacemaking and spinning demonstrations, discovery of regional works, poetry readings, and discussions about Marcel Fournier. Traditional games and wood-fired waffle tastings completed the day.
A highlight of the day was the screening of the film Histoire d’Adrien, filmed in Occitan and awarded at Cannes in 1980. The director, Jean-Pierre Denis, was present to introduce his work and pay tribute to his friend Joan-Pau Verdier, who composed the film's music.
The closing ceremony took place on the Joan-Pau-Verdier esplanade with the unveiling of a new plaque honoring the Occitan artist. This plaque replaces the one installed in 2024, which was stolen the following day. The ceremony was attended by Brice Demaret, mayor of Chancelade, Sandrine Salinier, deputy mayor, Nicolas Peuch (Novelum – IEO 24), and Alain Trapy (Lo Bornat dau Perigòrd). Artist José Correa, who created the portrait on the plaque, was also present.
Speakers emphasized the importance of transmitting the Occitan language and culture, as well as the value of collective work. Local officials warmly thanked the partner associations, particularly the Amicale laïque de Chancelade, for their mobilization. Association representatives praised the municipality's commitment to preserving Occitan heritage. The new plaque permanently inscribes the memory of Joan-Pau Verdier, a major figure in Occitan creation.
The Occitan Encounters concluded with a toast to friendship offered by the municipality, marking the end of two days dedicated to conviviality, memory, and sharing.
