To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint-Marie-Madeleine, a weekend of activities will be held from Friday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 4th, 2026, in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.
On Friday, October 2nd, the celebration will begin with a scientific conference on the relics of the basilica, presented by Philippe Charlier, a forensic doctor, anatomo-pathologist, and archaeo-anthropologist, holder of the UNESCO Chair "Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Transatlantic Slavery." The conference will take place at 6:30 PM in the basilica.
In the evening, at 8:00 PM on the Parvis Charles II d’Anjou, an organ concert will be performed by Emmanuel Arakélian. At 9:00 PM, the basilica will host a "Sound and Light" show on its facade, created by Hexalab and the École supérieure d’art d’Aix-en-Provence (ESAAIX). Young artists have designed luminous works inspired by traditional Provençal iconography.
On Saturday, October 3rd, the "Sound and Light" show will be presented again at 8:00 PM on the Parvis Charles II d’Anjou. At 9:00 PM, the basilica will host a concert by the orchestra « Diastema Camerata », performing works by A. Vivaldi, including his Gloria, Magnificat, and Concerti Grossi.
