The votive festival of Aigues-Mortes is one of the most prestigious du Gard. The kick-off was given this Saturday morning under the sun. Hundreds of people first gathered for lunch at the meadows. Everyone came with their cooler, basket, table and chairs. Sébastien has even provided vines and matches for the barbecue. The menu is tempting. “Local sausages and chops, cheese, bread, Sables wine and for dessert, a slice of fougasse from Aigues-Mortes” he specifies.
Lunch is enjoyed with family, friends or friends. “We remake the world and forget our worries” says Nicolas. Others sing with the penas. William is one of the faithful among the faithful. “I am 56 years old and I have been celebrating Aigues-Mortes for 54 years. It is always a moment of exchange and conviviality” he says, a glass of rosé in hand.
Nine days of votive feast
Some acute-mortais are even slightly chauvinistic with their votive feast. “It’s the best festival in Gard. It is authentic with its habits and customs, but also popular. It’s a sort of Féria de Nîmes, but without the money” jokes Franck. The king is the Camargue bull, notably through the abrivados, who rush as in the past, from the meadows. “I am here to preserve these traditions and make them last, even if some would like to see them disappear” concludes Guy.
GJ
The Aigues-Mortes votive festival ends on October 13.
