The Fête du Costume is Arles’ most prominent celebration of Provençal tradition. It is a three-day festival full of parades, bull games, and an overall exhibition of traditional clothing. Only people with at least three generations of ancestry in the city can participate. The fabrics needed to create an ensemble are expensive. Costumes range from the 18th to the 19th century.
The festival started in 1903, instigated by local writer Frédéric Mistral when he created the Festo Vierginenco (Festival of Virgins). According to Avignon & Provence, young girls were invited to wear the dress and hair ribbon to symbolize their passage into adulthood.
Up to age 15, girls wear the Mireille costume composed of a cotton skirt above the ankles, an apron, a black bodice and a simple scarf.
After that age, they wear a more sophisticated dress style that evolved in the 18th century, with the use of jewel-colored satin fabrics, a ribbon and a habit. A delicate lace bodice and shawl complete the costume, flattering the silhouette.
The queen of Arles is elected for three years after showing her knowledge of Provençal history, literature, architecture, arts, traditions, culture and language. The queen is accompanied by women called the “Maidens of Honor,” who are ambassadresses of the region’s traditions, attending local officials at cultural and traditional events. Also present at the festival are gardians, the Camargue “cowboys,” who herd the black Camargue bulls used for the course camarguaise bull games in southern France. Camargue horses galloping through water is a popular and romantic image of the region.
Parade of women in colorful dresses from the Second Empire. 
Many women carried parasols for the parade. 
Dresses come in vibrant colors. 
Handmade blouse and shawl. 
“This was the hairstyle of the region: Arlesian. The idea came from 1800 to 1840s,” said Olivares Maguelone. 
The queen of Arles and her handmaiden in the carriage on the main street. 
“Being elected queen brings me great satisfaction and makes me very proud to transmit our tradition to other generations,” said Queen of Arles Camille Hoteman. 
The aueen of Arles, her handmaidens and public officials. 
Many couples participated together. 
Some boys in the festival were dressed in a unisex tradition. 
Other boys were dressed as young men. 
Young girls, too, have distinctive costumes. 
A group of local Arlesians dressed as traditional jesters from the Second Empire. 
Many of those who participated brough accessories to match their costumes. 
“I am dressed from the 19th century,” said Morgan Brousse. 
The Camargue horse is the traditional mount of the gardians, the Camargue “cowboys” who herd the black Camargue bulls used for “courses camarguaises” in southern France. Camargue horses galloping through water is a popular and romantic image of the region. 
Founded in 1512, the Brotherhood of the Herdsmen, is the oldest brotherhood of this kind still present in France today. According to Arles Tourism, it was responsible for helping the old, poor and disabled in the brotherhood. 
Frédéric and Martha Poudivine posing in costumes Frédéric made. 
Arles’ Roman Theater is a key location for the festival. 
For some of those without parasols, bonnets provided shade.