THE 14th JULY

One of the things I like about France is that they have their fireworks in summer instead of November like we do in the UK!

Bonfire night in the UK can be a challenge, hoping that the rain will hold off long enough for people to enjoy themselves and that the bonfire will light.  I dare say that many people can’t remember the significance of Bonfire Night, or “Guy Fawkes Night” as we always called it, and just see it as a fun evening with fireworks and hot dogs.  I wonder if the significance of 14th July is remembered all over France?

It’s certainly a big event in our little corner of France and this year was no exception.  We wandered down to the village square for an apéro at the newly refurbished Jean Bart bar and waited for people to arrive and things to get going.   It was a warm, fine evening.

Moules and frites were served by the PreHisto, people sitting at trestle tables on the pavement outside the bar.  There were plenty of moules and they were delicious, followed by a cheese course and an apricot tart.

With the meal all done and cleared away, we got into the spirit of things with plenty of drinks and the square filled up as more and more people arrived for the fireworks.

At the appointed hour, the pompiers gathered and led a procession through the streets to the picnic ground by the river.  A splendid firework display followed with the usual big finale.

 

With the fireworks over the procession made its way back to the village square where the rest of the entertainment was happening.  The pompiers performed their award ceremony by the Mairie steps.  The bars stayed open and there was dancing to a live band in the square well into the early hours.

Which, I have to say, is loads more fun than having to don your wellies, woolly hat and gloves to eat a cool, damp hot dog in a muddy field in November !!