The Solo Scale:

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If you’re not super religious, the town of Lourdes may not have much significance apart from being a point on the map in the south of France. However, if you grew up Catholic as I did, the name might have more significance. I went to Catholic schools my entire youth until I moved to the United States and did a stint in public school, and after St. Matthew’s, I attended St. Bernadette — named for Bernadette Soubirous being the saint who hailed from Lourdes, putting it on the map as a religious pilgrimage destination.

Once a year, Lourdes is also home to more than just religious visitors when the military pilgrimage begins. Then, it’s home to the military forces of multiple countries from around the world along with their bands. The military pilgrimage brings with it soldiers in their uniforms (including seeing Vatican Guards outside of Vatican City), who will perform marches, attend the ceremonies, and when they’re not drinking in the local bars, they’ll be marching up and down the streets and playing music if they’re in the band.

Be warned that sleep might be difficult if the Pilgrimage is in town. The various countries bring their bands. They start playing music early and stay out carousing into the night after the rosaries have been said. It’s certainly a festivity to remember. The trade-off is that you might also be a little sleep-deprived on the other end of it.

The true highlight is getting to see all the various uniforms and hear the bands of their respective countries. It brings a joie de vivre to Lourdes that makes it more than just a religious experience. Plus, they’re all very friendly, so it’s easy to chat with people from all around the world who are there for the pilgrimage.

For information about when the military pilgrimage takes place (whether you want to see it or want to avoid the noise), check out the Lourdes tourist office here for more information!

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