In Brittany, the people have a history of devoutness. They also have many traditions that go back a lonnng way, such as Pardons. In this picture, you can see two boats that are carried during a Pardon procession. Once again, Wikipedia comes to the rescue with information about Pardons:


A Pardon is a typically Breton form of pilgrimage and one of the most traditional demonstrations of popular Catholicism in Brittany. Of very ancient origin, probably dating back to the conversion of the country by the Celtic monks, they are comparable to the parades associated with Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland or New York.

As its name indicates a Pardon is a penitential ceremony. The faithful go on a pilgrimage either to the tomb of a saint, or a place dedicated to a saint. The locations may be associated with miraculous appearances, as in Querrien, or holy relics. Penitents travel as a group in parishes, fraternities or other corporate bodies, bringing banners, crosses and other insignia in procession, each group competing with the others for grandeur.