This small village in Gard asserts its Provençal identity… and lets it be known

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A new sign has been placed at the entrance to the village of Saint-Laurent d'Aigouze in Gard, Friday October 18, 2024. Under the sign in French, it is now possible to read “Saint-Laurèns d'Eigouso en camargo gardeso”.

“Proud of our roots”

“It’s Provençal”, informs Laure Perrigault-Launay, first deputy at the town hall of Saint-Laurent d'Aigouze, delegate for culture, festivities and the promotion of heritage and traditions.

This double French and Provencal name only embodies the strong attachment of the inhabitants to their traditional culture. “Since the dawn of time, we have been proud of our roots », assure Laure Perrigault-Launay.

Another municipal initiative

The municipal team elected in 2020 wanted to further promote this cultural heritage. “We have also installed signs in certain streets with the street name which was used in the past and its translation into Provençal, adds the elected official. We added a QR code which allows you to refer to information on the origins of these names. »

In addition to promoting the Provençal language, Saint-Laurent d'Aigouze also maintains the culture of Camargue races. “In the village, we have two bullfighting clubs», Slips the chosen one again.

Cultural movement

This attachment to the Provençal language and culture is part of a movement called « Felibrige » recalls Laure Perrigault-Launay. “It’s a movement born with the poet Frédéric Mistral. It brings together territories, collectives and individuals who transmit this culture.

Since 2022, municipalities registered in this movement can apply for the Mistralian city label, or cieutà mistralenco in Provençal. “Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze will be labeled on 15 mars 2025 », underlines Paulin Reynard, the capitoulié (the equivalent of president) of the Felibrige association.

Back to basics

The leader of the movement also observes “ a renewed interest very strong for Provencal culture in recent years. I believe that covid made this possible. We refocused on the local area. We realized the richness of our heritageregional”.

Today, around sixty municipalitiesin Gard, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are labeledmistralenco cieutà.

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