Sainte-Barbe Day, celebrated every December 4 in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, is a tribute to former miners. Between memory of the black faces and moments of conviviality, this festival embodies the spirit of solidarity and fraternity of an entire region.
Sainte-Barbe is above all a day dedicated to the memory of the miners of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. In a region marked by the imprint of coal mining, this festival recalls sacrifice and dangers lived deep in the mines. Every year, former workers, often accompanied by their families, come together to pay homage to the one who protected them: Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. A moment of contemplation, where we remember the missing comrades, the accidents that occurred underground and the lives turned upside down by this reality. This tradition continues with respect and gratitude, ensuring that the history of the “black faces” will never be erased.
A friendly and festive celebration
But Sainte-Barbe is also a joyful celebrationmarked by friendly gatherings. These moments of sharing are an opportunity to revive memories of a time when miners met in cafes after their day's work. It is a return to the very essence of solidaritylaughter and unity, where little girls played hopscotch and men supported each other. Sainte-Barbe is not only a religious celebration: it is a real fraternity timea moment where memory and conviviality intertwine.
200 reasons to love Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Join Olivier Paulet to discover every day a new reason to be proud of our region, with humor and tenderness.
200 reasons to love Nord Pas-de-Calais to be listened to Monday to Friday at 6:57 a.m., 2:53 p.m., 4:36 p.m. and 6:18 p.m., and on weekends at 6:47 p.m.
You can also find this column replayed on the HERE app and the Radio France app.
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