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The French city of Saint-Avold, about an hour southwest of Kaiserslautern, will host a weekend of remembrance and retro celebration in honor of Memorial Day and the U.S. service members who helped liberate the region during World War II.
The festivities will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Agora, a large multipurpose venue located at Place du Champ de Foire in the city center.
The weekend coincides with the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the nearby Lorraine American Cemetery, where more than 10,000 Americans who died in World War II are buried. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Sunday and is open to the public.
Running alongside the formal observances is Pin-Up Fest, a vintage-themed event at the Agora that runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is 2 euros, but entry is free for those under 18 or anyone dressed in 1940s- or 1950s-style attire.
The event will feature vintage car and motorcycle displays, World War II reenactors and a temporary museum exhibit. Live music, swing and burlesque performances, tattoo and barber stands, and food and drink vendors will also be part of the lineup.
A regional Miss Pin-Up Grand Est contest will be held Saturday evening, with the winner advancing to compete in the national Miss Pin-Up France competition. The pin-up movement celebrates mid-20th century American fashion and femininity.
The festival will include areas for retro styling and themed displays. Organizers said they hope U.S. military personnel and families in the Kaiserslautern area will join the festivities.
More information on the event can be found here.
May 21, 2025 13:22
