Record edition, and under the sun, for this 4th edition of Bodegas locas. A fun and gourmet journey around bullfighting and the flamenco soul of Spanish Nîmes.
Places were expensive on this Sunday, January 19, for the fourth edition of the Bodegas locas meeting. A slightly crazy tour of Nîmes, it is true, which takes the lucky ones for a privileged and qualitative stroll in the emblematic temples of Spanish, flamenco and bullfighting culture of the city of Antonins. An initiative born from the love for the Iberian side of Nîmes from a group of bodega owners just before Covid. With the desire to “to boost the Flamenco festival and share this culture with as many people as possible.” Health crisis over, the concept appeals to the coordination of the bullfighting clubs of Nîmes and Gard (32 clubs and more than 2000 members) and its president Roland Cecchi-Tenerini at the head.
Heritage, flamenco and wine
It is in the toril of the Nîmes arenas, at the bottom of a box intended to accommodate a bull before entering the ring, that the aficionado takes a guided tour of a place very rarely open to the public. Many visitors stare wide-eyed when discovering the traces of horn blows which adorn the various walls. While in the rendering room dressed all in white Alexis Laurens dances with passion and strength who presents her show Paseillo, we enjoy a glass of Costières-de-Nîmes in hand. A composition that can be found in the 10 spaces of the course. From the Bullfighting Cultures Museum to Nicole Bousquet’s workshop or the bodega at Chacha or Pablo Romero, the principle is identical: a Costières area to discover, a flamenco show, and a specialty to taste.
-Because the event is not limited to the festive aspect. She actively participates in the promotion of Nîmes cultural heritage. Local products, notably Costières de Nîmes wine, are highlighted, as are the musical and culinary traditions of the region. Bodegas Locas thus become a privileged moment to rediscover and celebrate the riches of the terroir.
Places sold in 3 hours
A proposal which saw more than 400 registrations this year (compared to 350 last year) and even angered a few disappointed people relegated to the waiting list. “The tickets sold out in 3 hours”smiles Roland Cecchi-Tenerini. Not very surprising when we see the event’s ability to bring together all generations who come to dance, share a drink or simply enjoy a festive Sunday.
