The Town Hall and theOpen University of Versailles will host, on February 7 and 8, the 7th edition of the Classical Languages Festival. This cultural event will highlight the practices ancient food under the evocative theme: “Feeding Gods and Men”. As François de Mazières, mayor of Versailles, pointed out: “Together, let’s nourish our minds and celebrate the heritage of the Humanities!”
Conferences, debates and workshops to decipher food and sacredness
At the heart of ancient civilizations, food was not only a response to a vital need, but also a spiritual act. “The gods were fed with offerings, symbolizing the respect and gratitude of men towards the divine forces”affirmed the City of Versailles in the festival program. This link between food et sacredness sera decrypted through conferencesof the debates and interactive workshops led by recognized specialists.
The Classical Languages Festival will begin on Friday February 7 with a day dedicated to schools, since “the transmission of knowledge is at the heart of our approach”, said François de Mazières. Young people will have the opportunity to explore the cultural heritage through fun and educational activities, such as the astonishing Escape Game antique where Prometheus steals ambrosia from the gods.
History and mythology enthusiasts will be able to attend fascinating conferences. Pierre Sauzeau et Laure de Chantal will open the ball with a dive into Greek myths linking animals, plants and rituals, while Marine Renauld et Jean-Pierre Lorit will lead a reading-conference around the banquet of Trimalcionfrom the Satiricon of Petrone.
Cinema in the spotlight every evening
In partnership with the cinema UGC Roxaneeach evening will conclude with a film screening in line with the theme of the festival. On Friday, spectators will discover the masterpiece of Federico Fellini, Satyricon (1969), a baroque odyssey in ancient Rome. Saturday is Salty Sweet d’The Lee which will be projected, offering a modern echo to meals as places of family and cultural transmission.
On Saturday February 8, visitors will be able to explore the “Food archaeologies“or wonder about”Ancient tables, from Rome to China“. Families will be welcomed in a lounge dedicated to free-access workshops: binding, interactive gamesor even presentation of digital tools like Collatinus and Eulexis. Finally, a banquet of public salvation around the text of Plato will close this exceptional event in a friendly atmosphere.
Thanks to the support of partners such as Les Belles Lettres, this edition promises to make the past resonate with the present and to illustrate the richness of classical traditions. The complete program can be found on the City of Versailles website.
