Maussane, Provence.

Here come the bulls.  In the little village of Maussane, in fact in many of the villages and towns throughout this part of Provence, chasing a bull down the main street while crowds gather to watch, is a perfectly natural thing to do.  The Feria in August celebrates the roots of cowboys of the Camargue. There are many Feria type celebrations throughout the year, this one is in honour of the bull.  Of course some of the honouree's will end up as the "special of the day" in the restaurant, but not today.

The Feria happens over several days, everything gets started with the kids parading through main street on their white Camargue horses.  The Camargue is famous for the wild white horses that populate the region.   The streets are lined with proud parents, grand parents etc.  The joy on their faces is clearly evident as the young cowboys trot by.   

After the kids, the main event takes shape.  First the street is secured, metal fences checked and the local police close off the area.  Most people have found a viewing spot behind the metal fences.  Funny thing, on the bar side of the street there are no fences.  People, including us, just hover around the entrance to the restaurant waiting for the action.

The cowboys ride through town surrounding the honouree, aka the bull.  Otherwise known as dinner!  Once they get to the end of town, they turn the bull around and chase it back down the street.  This is where things get tricky.

We have no where to hid in the event that the bull doesn't know what he is suppose to be doing.  People around us are slowly leaking out onto the street, each trying to get a better angle for a picture of the streaking 1500 lb beast.   I too get in the action.  Camera at the ready, I hid behind Johanne as she looks toward the oncoming bull with the cowboy escort.  This happens several times as there are at least 4 bulls that need to be driven.  The excitement of the moment makes everyone very thirsty.  Beer and wine is flowing.  The bulls having completed their part, are safely stowed in the trailers awaiting their next performance.  Now it is time for the cowboys to celebrate.  They ride in a close group back to the centre of town, there they are presented with large glasses of the local pastis(home brew).  Which they drink while posing for photos with the appropriate dignitaries.

Once this is completed, the party starts.  We even got to sample some free food and wine, as some enterprising restaurants use their products to entice people to dine with them.

The main square has a stage where the band is about to get going.  Playing a combination of old folk songs and current day favourites.  Laughter, food, wine and dancing replace the cowboys.  Families celebrate together.  It is a fantastic scene to behold.

We had a blast.  

Tomorrow we are hitting the road for Gordes, an amazing mountainside village.  Come join us.

Be Well

Sante