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Driven by her usual enthusiasm, Cécile Coudreau flashes a broad smile when talking about the 2026 edition of the Fête du Vent. The president of Ajoe makes no secret of her eagerness to immerse herself in the atmosphere of “one of the most important local festivals,” as she puts it. The event aims to strike a balance between tradition and modernity in order to continue attracting a wide audience. “We’re trying to preserve everything related to tradition,” confirms Cécile Coudreau. “The Mass, the cross-country race, the days on the plateau. We need to find the right connection between the older generation, the younger generation, and newcomers. ” Because starting this Friday, October 16, and continuing through Sunday afternoon, the entire island is invited to join in the many activities organized by Ajoe volunteers as part of the Fête des quartiers du Vent in Lorient.
Spreading Positive Energy
“It’s going to be great,” the president says excitedly. It must be said that the program for this 2026 edition is exceptionally packed. Starting with the opening night this Friday. “The yard sale helps create a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere for the evening,” notes Cécile Coudreau. During this first evening, starting at 6 p.m., participants can also take part in a palet tournament, a dominoes contest, and a Uno tournament. All of this will take place at the Ajoe grounds, of course, with a refreshment stand and food available. Thanks to our partners, sponsors, the local government, and—most importantly—the association’s members.
Throughout the weekend, about fifty Ajoe volunteers will be working tirelessly to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible. At the heart of this “major undertaking,” as Cécile Coudreau points out, are three indispensable leaders: Claudie, Marie-Laure, and Catherine. “There isn’t really a schedule for the volunteers,” Cécile smiles. “In reality, we’re all here!” Before, during, and even after. “What always amazes me,” the president adds, “is Sunday evening when everyone pitches in to clean up. There’s such energy. In fact, by the end, we feel like we’ve managed to pass that wonderful energy on to everyone.”
A Touch of Pink
The Fête du Vent features numerous events and gatherings, “like a village where the people who live on the island come together,” says Cécile happily, adding: “The Fête du Vent comes at just the right time. ” Just before the start of the tourist season, when many workers return or arrive. So it’s the perfect time to bring all these wonderful people together around a single event and shared activities—whether they’re fun, athletic, musical, or festive… And then, the Fête du Vent is also the celebration of the Ajoe—the association of young workers and students that celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2024.
This year’s festival will also feature a touch of pink—not just for the sake of it, though that might be part of it, but to support the breast cancer screening awareness campaign: Pink October. This will take place during Sunday morning’s cross-country race. “We’ll be handing out ribbons and asking people to wear a touch of pink,” explains Cécile. This friendly request is directed at both the walkers, who will start at 5:45 a.m., and the runners, who will set off at 6:10 a.m.
Sunday will, of course, be packed with athletic events, including a beach volleyball tournament, the cross-country race, a surfing contest, and a bottom fishing contest—not to mention the raffle drawing. As for those who simply want to enjoy a relaxing moment on the Ajoe Plateau or on the beach while sipping a cold drink, they’re also welcome. For that is the spirit of the Fête du Vent. Visitors will also be able to admire the Reefer Surf Club hut, freshly painted and gleaming as it did in its early days.
The program
• Friday, October 16, on the Ajoe Plateau
6:00 p.m.: Flea market opens
Registration for the domino contest / palet tournament / Uno tournament
6:30 p.m.: Activities begin
Refreshments and food available on site
• Saturday, October 17, on the Ajoe Plateau
8:00 a.m.: Registration for the foosball (doubles) and ping-pong tournaments
9:00 a.m.: Tournaments begin
1:00 p.m.: Registration for the “Jean-René Laplace” belote contest
1:30 p.m.: Start of the belote contest and the FIFA PS4 tournament (register in advance with Alan)
8:30 p.m.: Dance party with the Respeck Band from St. Martin
Refreshments and food available on site
At the Lorient dance hall:
Reggaeton and Zumba workshops
- 2:30 p.m.: Alysée will lead the reggaeton workshop
- 3:30 p.m.: Zumba workshop with Marylou
Prices: 10 euros per class.
For more information, contact Cécile at 0690.81.80.90
• Sunday, October 18, on the Ajoe plateau and at the surf hut
• Bottom fishing – Open registration
• “Nanou Brin” Cross-Country Race and Pink October Walk (Registration for the race on Friday and Saturday on the Ajoe Plateau)
5:45 a.m.: Walkers’ start
6:10 a.m.: Runners start
• 8:30 a.m.: Traditional Wind Festival Mass at the church
At the surf hut
8:00 a.m.: Registration for the beach volleyball tournament and the surfing contest
9:00 a.m.: Start of beach activities and games
11:00 a.m.: Deep-sea fishing returns
12:00 PM: Reception with live music
5:00 p.m.: Raffle drawing
