It is a nourishing land that must be earned, surrounded by peaks over 2000 meters, a territory where unity is strength. In this valley steeped in history, named after the Rotjà river which crosses it, its five villages have nearly a thousand inhabitants. The challenge of this festival (formerly of the apple) consists of presenting its riches to visitors, a beautiful showcase of 100% local production!
Taking advantage of 25 hours to welcome thousands of visitors to the 41st Rotjà festival is a godsend! It will not be too much for the volunteers supervised by the team of Jean-Jacques Xifre, president of the Rotjà intercommunal tourism union.
We ensure transmission and continuity
From the outset, a clarification is necessary: why did you abandon the very promising title of Apple Festival? The response of a local child François Salies: “Because there are now only a few small producers left. In the past, the men who worked in the mine took care of the orchards and the sale was a good complement. Since the sixties when the mines closed, these generations- there have aged, many of the young people have gone to work in the administrations These orchards were lost, then were uprooted, to favor meadows and livestock. So yes, there will still be apples at the celebration. Valley, but much less than before.”
M.L.
From this change was born the idea of uniting the entire valley, by scheduling this event one year in Sahorre, the other in Fuilla, as Mantet sheep breeder Paul Maury, president of Rotjà Vallée Gourmande, explains: “It’s a good agreement. This festival is financed by the five villages of Villefranche, Sahorre, Fuilla, Py and Mantet with the support of Escaro”and Jean-Jacques Xifre to specify: “It is a sacred union, which allows us to promote our production and our know-how. The stakes are high, we have the values of this valley in our genes, and it is with pride that we ensure the transmission and continuity”.
7,000 visitors expected
The motto has been the same for 41 years, insists the mayor of Sahorre and breeder, Olivier Gravas: “It’s a great pride to be on the Champ de la pomme and to share what’s best. Of the forty stands, there is only 100% local, short circuit, for direct sale. It’s a celebration that combines with the local economy, one that allows breeders, producers, artisans to live here.”. While everything is in place, all that remains is to implore Saint-Cyprian (patron saint of Sahorre) so that the sun also welcomes the 7,000 visitors expected on this last Sunday in October.
Rotjà Valley Festival, Sunday October 27
In detail about this 41st Valley Festival, there will be on the stands: Rotjà apples which, in addition to being sweet and delicious, can be kept for several months; cheesemakers who transform the milk of their cows, sheep, goats with passion, it is also an opportunity to discuss with breeders who, here too, are faced with climate change and water issues. Producers of saffron, spirulina, fruits and vegetables, juices, meats, charcuterie and of course artists from the sector will also be present: pottery, sewing, etc. Please note that with each purchase, a raffle ticket is offered with seven draws, at the key is a batch from a Valley producer!
On the festive side, It’s going to be exciting, with the Banda Canaillou de Millas from 9 a.m. which will liven up the Sahorre apple field. At 10 a.m., the Giants of Villefranche-de-Conflent, Count Guillem-Ramon of Cerdagne and his wife Sancia of Barcelona will be happy to parade. At 11 a.m., still in the Catalan tradition, Els Pallagos del Conflent will build a human tower, with the help of the public.
At noon, Ramon Gual will offer his singing tour composed of traditional Catalan pieces and creations. DJ Aïoli will mix until the arrival of Cobla Cazenove at 3 p.m., then he will close the day with crazy rhythms. Children will be delighted, and will be able to have fun in complete safety around the wooden games run by the Game Case, a makeup stand and various workshops will also be at their disposal.
And the organizers of the Vallée de la Vallée conclude: “We wish you a festive and gourmet day full of discoveries and sharing”. For sure, it will!
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