the essential
A tradition almost 120 years old, the Flower Festival took place this Thursday, May 9 in the streets of Riscle with, as its figurehead, the much-anticipated “floral corso”. Nearly 3,000 curious people came to attend.
“They come back !” All it takes is the cry of a little girl to light up every face in the crowd. And for good reason, the floats of the Flower Festival make their return to the streets of Riscle at the exit of a bend. From Hawaii to Scooby-Doo via the Olympic Games, they are once again colorful for this edition. Roses, daisies, azaleas, irises: the procession which advances is well flowered and no detail has been neglected: “This work was carried out with great attention to detail and a lot of patience”, notes Blandine, a spectator.
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DDM – SEBASTIEN LAPEYRERE
When the majorales, disguised as majorettes, entertain some, the Brazilian percussionists and dancers thrill others in a warm atmosphere, not just due to the weather. Amid the fervor of the parade, the football club’s “Lucky Luck” float blends into the background. However, this is the very first participation for the club: “We were novices but we did everything with joy and good humor,” comments co-president Alain in the fury of the procession. He continues: “We finished the tank this morning at 11:30 a.m. having stopped last night at 4:30 a.m. But there was this friendly side where we all ate together during the preparations. It was great!”
DDM – SEBASTIEN LAPEYRERE
A 120-year-old popular fervor
A few floats further on, Paul tries to invite the public to dance to the rhythm of the bandas. For him and his compatriots at the youth center, the main thing is to make the most of it: “This meeting is once a year. The weather is nice, we take advantage of it. We try to involve both young people and adults. “Our goal is to entertain and bring people together.”
DDM – SEBASTIEN LAPEYRERE
From the top of their floats, the children take pride of place in the parade. Sprinkling the crowd with petals and corn, they are the happiest of the day. For this mother, maintaining the village tradition, almost 120 years old, is precious: “We have been parading for years, we are taking up the legacy of our parents who have always done this. Our children are getting involved in it. their turn now,” says Marie.
The flame of this celebration is therefore not about to go out. This year, around ten floats paraded, a number higher than that of previous editions: “There must be 300 people who have been involved in the preparations of the floats for more than a month. There are also 50 volunteers. That shows the investment of city and neighborhood associations”, explains Karine, member of the Flower Festival committee.
DDM – SEBASTIEN LAPEYRERE
When it comes to choosing their favorite tank, spectators are more divided. For this edition, it was mainly the surprising drakkar and hippie van which were popular with the public. Nevertheless, Marie closes the debate: “They are all very beautiful and we must pay tribute to the work of each one”. After the floats have passed and the popular fever has subsided, the layer of petals and leaves covering the ground testifies to the success of this 2024 edition.
