The Saint-Pierre festival is an unmissable event. Despite a few drops of rain, everything was able to take place in good conditions on Saturday, June 29.
From 9:30 a.m., in front of the prud’homie, many personalities and spectators were present to listen to the various interventions. It was Sébastien Gaubert, first prud’homme, who spoke first and highlighted the various problems, such as “the ban on completely damming ponds and leaving a large opening. These dams, which have been in place for over 200 years, are part of the town’s heritage and are at risk of disappearing. For eel fishing, the news is not more reassuring, we risk having a sharp drop in eel fishermen, but also in fishermen in general“He fears that small businesses in ponds and lagoons will disappear in a few years.
Jean-Baptiste Gaubert, deputy mayor in charge of fishing: “Being a fisherman today is a real obstacle course, the responsible fishermen that we are will know how to adjust our sail to face the challenges to come“. Alain Ginies, vice-president of the Aude departmental council: “Fishing must have a place in its own right, let’s be proud of our fishermen“. Mayor Didier Codorniou notes that “since I have been mayor, this is the first time that Saint-Pierre has been watered by rain, I think it is good for nature and for the ponds. Fishermen have been going through a difficult time in recent years. We must focus our thinking on the problems of pollution, resources and fish that do not grow.“.
Sébastien Pla, senator of Aude: “The winds are contrary at the moment, we must be reactive to the slightest alert. Industrial tribunals have been present for more than ten centuries and are the guardians of this ancestral heritage.“.
High Mass and Blessing
The day continued with a parade. The statue of Saint-Pierre was carried by fishermen to the church where the high mass took place in homage to the patron saint of fishermen.
A reception and a meal were held at the convention center before a tribute to Saint Peter in the church.
