In Cotentin, the future of this emblematic festival is threatened

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Friday December 20, 2024to the wedding hall of the delegated town hall of Beaumont-Hague, the Hague Commerces association held its extraordinary meeting in front of a ten people and in the presence of Manuela Mahiermayor of La Hague, and Sébastien Lelong, deputy mayor of Beaumont-Hague.

That evening, hearts were heavy, not with a bit of bitterness, but with great sadness since it was announced the dissolution of the associationalso synonymous with a uncertain future for Madeleine Day.

Since our general meeting, when we announced our drop in motivation and the health problems of André (Vuoso), we knew that we were not going to continue the Hague Commerces adventure. And as our statutes do not provide for dormancy, there were only two options left: find two merchants ready to take up the torch or declare the dissolution.

Bitter criticism

For the two merchants, the situation is considered regrettable, especially since no merchant from La Hague, and especially from Beaumont-Hague, is involved in or participates in the Madeleine festival, which is nevertheless emblematic of the region.

“We often found ourselves very alone. We even received feedback from traders who were not necessarily friendly, which also weighed heavily on our decision to stop, in addition to my health concerns,” confided President André Vuoso.

It had been four years since Hague Commerces took over the organization of the Madeleine festival, although this was never its initial objective. Originally, the association aimed to defend the interests of traders by legitimizing their exchanges with the town hall and local elected officials.

But the dissolution of the Beaumont-Hague festival committee and the upheavals linked to Covid led the association to take over this organization, with the support of La Hague town hall. “We think we have done our part and are very sad that no one will take back the Madeleine,” they said.

A call for projects from the municipality to save Madeleine

The event, which requires significant human and financial mobilization (21,000 to 23,000 euros per edition), nevertheless benefited from the support of numerous volunteers, municipal technical services and a few merchants involved. “Of the 60 businesses in La Hague, only 17 were members of the association. And among them, only two or three really helped us,” explained Magalie Amiot.

During this meeting, the dissolution of Hague Commerces was therefore officially recorded.

If nothing happens, the municipality will launch a call for projects to support a possible resumption, because we, the delegated municipality of Beaumont-Hague, cannot carry out the organization of the Madeleine festival alone.

The Madeleine festival, which represents an important part of local identity, risks disappearing, like that of Vasteville, interrupted four years ago. “If a new association takes over, we will be able to share our contacts, our tips and even support the transition. If this is not the case, the remaining funds will be redistributed to other associations,” said the treasurer.

By our correspondent Philippe QUEVASTRE

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