Celtic Pardon Festival, Brest, Brittany, France - September, 1908. Stalls with various things for sale at a Breton 'Pardon'. 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), it is comparable to the parades associated with Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland or New York. A Pardon occurs on the feast of the patron saint of a church or chapel, at which an indulgence is granted. Hence use of the word "Pardon". Pardons only occur in the traditionally Breton language speaking Western part of Brittany.