Celebration of 75th anniversary of Normandy landings in Cotentin’s Bay
Every year, many events are organized by the tourist offices of the D-Day beaches to celebrate the D-Day anniversary of June 6, 1944 and the battle of Normandy. World event that marks the liberation of France and all Europe, it is celebrated by many nationalities.
Immersive return in the 40s with the 2019 edition of the D-Day Festival
From late May to mid-June take a leap into the past going back to the forties, during and after the war. Reconstitutions of military camps, airdrops, vintage vehicles parades, balls, concerts … many events take place in all the cities near the landing beaches.
Attend official commemorations honoring those soldiers who gave their lives to defend freedom. Walk on the landings beaches of northern France, from Utah Beach to Sword Beach and admire the many places of memory that were built there.
Discover below the biggest events of the program set up by the tourist office of the Bay of Cotentin, which will take place around Le Cormoran campsite located at the edge of Utah Beach.
13rd edition of D-Day Festival in 2019 to celebrate renewed peace
To celebrate the landing and the victory of the allied forces, many activities are proposed. It takes place mainly during the week of June 6, but all the events really extend from May 25 to June 16.
Military camps
The Geronimo camp will be set up at the Airborne Museum from 1st to 9th of June with 10 tanks and many activities (military strategy model, medical evacuation post, demonstration of paratroopers equipment and glidermen …)
US military camps at Sainte Marie du Mont
From June 6 to 10, Carentan hosts the Arizona Camp with 500 participants and 200 civilian and military vehicles, life-size scenes will be on display.
On June 3, a military market takes place under the covered market of Sainte-Mère-Église, at the church place. At the Holdy battery you can see the copy of a glider. From the 1st to the 10th of June, theatrical nocturnal visits are organized in groups of 10 people.
Photo: Estelle Hertault
D-Day and Second World War conferences and projections
“On June 4 at the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, listen to the conference “The Priests of the D-Day” which sheds light on the important but often unknown role of chaplains from American, British and Canadian armies, that were present during the Battle of Normandy.
On June 7th, at the Normandy Victory Museum in Catz, watch of the documentary movie “The Girl who wore freedom“.
Airdroppings, official ceremonies, concerts …
On Wednesday, June 5th, attend to a airdrop in period outfits from a C47 on Purple Heart Lane in Carentan, followed by the concert of actor Band of Brothers Nick Aaron. Do not miss the official “Carré de choux” ceremony at 4:30 pm in honor of the American paratroopers of the 101st Airborne. In Saint-Germain-de-Varreville, watch a parade of military vehicles in the morning and later in the afternoon another airdrop in period outfits.
Several commented historical hikes are proposed and will take you through the Norman countryside on the scene of the fightings. For example, the “In the footsteps of our liberators” hiking day, which stretches 23 km from Utah Beach to Sainte Marie du Mont.
On Thursday, June 6th in Sainte-Mère-Eglise, the D-Day Festival is in full swing with the exhibition of vintage military vehicles, paratroopers demonstrations, ceremonies and peace concert.
The morning of June 7 will be punctuated by the ceremonies at Sainte-Mère-Église, Chef du Pont, Beuzeville au Plain and Picauville. A Freedom banquet will be held at Sainte-Mère-Église with musical entertainment: “The Jazz Vadrouille” or “Ladies of liberty“.
Saturday, June 8 will be marked by jumps of precision, the DDAY Memorial parade bringing together more than 3,000 musicians from the United States or “The Four Nation Country Blue Orchestra“.
The week ends with the large military and historical airdrops that will take place on Sunday, June 9 in Sainte-Mère-Eglise with nearly 1,000 paratroopers of 7 different nationalities and 30 aircrafts. The Patrouille de France will offer an acrobatic aerial demonstration by the Breitling Jet Team. The afternoon will begin under the musical entertainment with “Ladies For Liberty“, “Monsieur Ribouldingue chante la paix“, “53ème Rue“, … to continue with a parade of vintage military vehicles in the streets of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Finally the evening will end with a fireworks.
Get further information about the programme of 75th anniversary of D-Day landings in la Baie du Cotentin
Consult the details of the different editions of the landing anniversaries:
>> 70th anniversary of D-Day landing
>> 73rd anniversary of D-Day landing
>> 72nd anniversary of D-Day landing
>> 69th anniversary of D-Day landing