82nd Anniversary of D-Day in 2026

Programme of D-Day commemorations in La Manche

In the context of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, a number of events will be held in La Manche in June.

This year: military vehicle parades, parachute drops, militaria fairs, and reenactments of military camps. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, these events are the opportunity to celebrate the liberation and to pass on the history of the Battle of Normandy.

See our selection of events to celebrate this turning point in history.

Program in progress

Reenactments of military camps

Stroll around these camps that reenact the military encampments set up by the Allies during the Second World War. Immerse yourself in the daily life of soldiers and civilians, with scenes, demonstrations, collectors’ displays, parades of military vehicles, and much more.

From 31 May to 9 June: Camp Bloody Gulch in Méautis
From 3 to 7 June: Camp Texas at the Crasville Battery
From 3 to 7 June: Camp Geronimo in Sainte-Mère-Église
From 2 to 7 June: Military Camp at the Crisbecq Battery

Militaria fairs

Are you a collector of military memorabilia? The D-Day commemorations are the opportunity for you to head to the big militaria fairs in La Manche. You’ll find old weapons, military objects of all types, wartime uniforms, and much more, and you’ll be able to chat with other collectors.

1st and 2 June in Écausseville
3 and 4 June in Sainte-Mère-Église
From 3 to 7 June in Crasville

Parachute drops

Come and watch hundreds of civilians, soldiers, former soldiers and veterans, all in period costume, taking part in these commemorative parachute drops.
Different events are held throughout the day at the landing zone: a briefing before the drop, demonstrations of parachute folding techniques, concerts, and much more.

3 June in Carentan-les-Marais
7 June at La Fière in Sainte-Mère-Église

Film screenings

Take part in the 82nd D-Day festivities and discover or rediscover films linked to the Normandy landings. Take your pick from mainstream or more independent films.

4 June : "7 Jours en Juin" in the D-Day Experience in Carentan

Concerts and balls

Celebrating the liberation is also the opportunity to dance the Lindy Hop from the 1940s. Musicians with a passion for the wartime period and DJs mixing on vintage decks; these artists are all committed to honouring the heroes of D-Day. Be sure to wear your wartime best!

6 June: ball in Sainte-Mère-Église
6 June: Concert and Liberation ball in Carentan-les-Marais
5 to 7 June: Guinguette in l'Atelier in Carentan
5 to 7 June: Rétro Festival at the brewery in Sainte-Mère-Église
7 June: Concert in Carentan-les-Marais
7 June: ball in Sainte-Mère-Église

Convoys and parades

People in wartime uniforms, civilians in costume, musicians, veterans, vintage vehicles: take a trip back in time during these musical parades through some symbolic towns.

30 May: International March for Peace
4 June: Parade of military vehicles in Carentan
6 June: Parade and procession during in Sainte-Mère-Église streets
6 June: Carentan liberty march in Carentan-les-Marais

Fireworks

Look up, the liberation is also celebrated in the sky! Head to the port or the beach and enjoy the firework displays for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

6 June: fireworks in Sainte-Mère-Église

THE OFFICIAL CEREMONIES

The D-Day commemorations of the Normandy are also marked by the many ceremonies in honor of the missing. Official events or more intimate events, they bring together veterans and public and political figures.

3 June: Ceremony in Sainte-Mère-Église
3 June: Official ceremony in Carentan
5 June: Ceremony in Picauville and Gourbesville

Exhibitions

The museums telling the story of D-Day host exceptional temporary exhibitions during the commemorative anniversary.

From 28 March to 15 November: Exhibition "In the hell of the Pacific" at World War 2 museum in Quinéville
From 31 May to 30 November: Exhibition "The comics enter into a war" at Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église
From 6 April to 1st november: Exhibition "Laisse béton ?" at the Azeville battery
Until 30 June: Exhibition "D-[DAY] system when peasants reuse military equipment" at the Cotentin farm-museum in Sainte-Mère-Église
31 May : Book fair in Sainte-Mère-Église

Other events

The D-Day commemorations are also marked by a number of ceremonies to honour those who died. The official ceremonies such as the one at the Carré de Choux, along with more intimate events, are attended by veterans and public and political figures.

Other events will also be held to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day: a liberation dinner, hikes, an international peace walk, historical walks, a book fair, church services, football match and more.

Festivities organised in the Bay of Cotentin