This week, I am in Saint-Tropez when the sun is shining and birds are singing, but that’s not all… All the village is buzzing. Like every year, it is ready to celebrate “the Bravade”: 3 days of popular partying in red and white.
Everything starts on Saturday morning with “the little Bravade”, in front of city hall. The city captain, a kind of mayor for the party (we love the idea), starts solemnly the festivities.
Masses, processions, parades and thundering gunshots follow one after the other.
Sunday morning, four Italians from Pisa carry the Saint Tropez statue all the way to the church. Because Tropez was indeed Italian. According to the legend, after his execution in Pisa (over some murky business of religion war), he was placed in a small boat with a dog and a cockerel. The small boat drifted to Provençal coasts and arrived in the village that will later be named after him.
But let’s get back to our thundering gunshots…
In the afternoon, it’s time for “the big Bravade”. The “bravadeurs” pay tribute to sailors, lifeguards, and firefighters, from the Croix de fer square to the convent. The crowd is jubilant… except for the boules players who are forced to abandon their dear Place des Lices, to make room for a giant funfair and other doughnut vendors.
In tourists’ eyes, it resembles a bit a 14th of July ball without the blue, but for Saint-Tropez inhabitants, it means much more. It’s the occasion to meet among themselves, to pass on traditions, and to thank patron saint… before the village becomes the stage of all the summer craziness.
Have a nice weekend,
Camille
