Question: What does the annual Waldensian Festival in Valdese celebrate?
Answer: The Waldensian Festival, which takes place this year on Aug. 8-9 in Valdese, began as the Festival of the Glorious Return to commemorate the 1689 return of Waldensians who had been imprisoned in the late 17th century after King Louis XIV of France attempted to destroy the Waldensian people. At his command, thousands were killed, and those who survived were thrown into prison. After protests from other European Protestants, those who survived were released and forced into exile in Geneva, Switzerland.
Bonus info: The Waldensians who settled in Valdese, North Carolina, in 1893 were descendants of these persecuted communities. They established the town to preserve their cultural and religious heritage, and the festival reflects both their historical struggles and their contributions to the community.
