 |
Camargue Traditions, Provence, France | |
| The Camargue has a long history and many cultural traditions, most having to do with bulls and horses. | ||
|
|
|
The Camargue, a relatively isolated and well-preserved area of southern France, maintains a variety of traditions that have come down over the centuries. The area is famous for its horses and bulls, both of which are today bred on farms and live in manades, herds that roam the salt marshes. Several festivals, mostly in the summer months, honor the horses and bulls. The Village Fair, held in June, brings horses into the middle of the small town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The gardians, or cowboys, ride horses in the parade, and other horses go through the village without riders. It's a tribute to the wild history of the Camargue and a chance for horse-lovers to see them up close.
Mid-July brings the Horsefair, with a variety of parades and competitions, as well as lively music and entertainment. The Biou and Toros Feria is held in mid-August. This event focuses on bullfights, with guests from Spain and Portugal joining the festivities. The celebrations go on long into the night, all honoring the bull. The Festival of Abrivado is held on November 11. Several hundred gardians and up to 1000 horses run on the beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, herding the bulls into the arenas. With its wonderful wildlife and large areas of land preserved from development, the Camargue offers visitors a glimpse into some of the interesting history and traditions of this area. Here's a delightful story of a visit to the Camargue.
|
|
Above, Bull fighting monument, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France.
|
