Anniversary of D-Day in 2023

Programme of D-Day commemorations in La Manche

In the context of the 79th 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.

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 3 to 4 June: Camp L'Atelier in Carentan-les-Marais
From 3 to 6 June: Camp Geronimo in Sainte-Mère-Église
From 1st to 7 June: Camp Bloody Gulch at the Manoir de Donville

Photo, © David Daguier - CD50
Photo, © David Daguier - CD50
Photo, © David Daguier - CD50
Photo, © David Daguier - CD50

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.

28 May in Picauville
2 June in Sainte-Mère-Église
3 June in Crisbecq and in Carentan-les-Marais
5 and 6 June at the airship hangar in Écausseville

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.

2 June in Carentan-les-Marais (from 1 pm)
3 June in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (from 12 am)
4 June at La Fière in Sainte-Mère-Église (from 9 am)
5 june in Angoville-au-Pain (from 11 am)
7 June in Azeville, above the German battery (from 2 pm)

Film screenings

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

3 June: "Till the job is done" at Normandy Victory Museum in Catz
5 June: "Till the job is done" at Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église and at Normandy Victory Museum in Catz

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!

2 June: Concert by “Les Ladies for liberty” in Sainte-Mère-Église
2 June: Concert Dancing Day at Normandy Victory Museum in Catz (by reservation)
3 June: Concert by “Swing Melodies Orchestra” at Normandy Victory Museum in Catz
3 June: Concert by "Madeeson and Co" and "Hot Red 56" in Sainte-Mère-Église
3 June: Concert USA Concept at Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
3 June: Liberation ball in Carentan-les-Marais
3 June: Liberation ball in Liesville-sur-Douve
3 and 4 June: "Festival Retro" in Sainte-Mère-Église
4 June: Concert by "Band of Brothers" and "Music from WWII" at Normandy Victory Museum in Catz
4 June: Afternoon concert, musette ball and concert by Kind of Queen 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.

3 June: Carentan liberty march and women parade in Carentan-les-Marais
3 June: Parade and procession during in Sainte-Mère-Église streets

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 79th anniversary of D-Day.

3 June in Sainte-Mère-Église

Exhibitions

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

From 1st April to 5 November: an exhibition of Jean Gabin "Jean Gabin, la guerre c'est pas du cinéma" at Normandy Victory Museum in Catz in partnership with the Jean Gabin Museum of Mériel and the Musée des Blindés of Saumur.
28 May: an exhibition of photos "vétérans absents mais toujours présents" in Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
3 and 4 June: an exhibition of models and period figurines in Auvers

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 79th 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