It's summer, it's Montblanc Féria...

The Féria - tables and chairs set out in front of the Mairie

A Catalan flavour for our Féria
You know it's summer for sure, not just with the clear blue skies and hot sunshine, but because of all the extra activities that are taking place. Throughout the summer months the south of France bursts into life, with fêtes, festivals, concerts, large markets selling local artisan products, and much, much more.

And I do love the fêtes that take place in this region. Each village, large and small, have their own individual fête, with the customs relevant to their area. Normally they last 3 to 4 days, with a different special event each day.

This year, as normal, we went to our village fête in Montblanc, not dissimilar to all the fêtes organised by all the other villages, but of course, this is our village, so it has to be better.

And, as I've explained in previous articles, our village has a Catalan origin, so the summer fête take on a French/Spanish theme - it's called a 'Féria' for example, not fête. It starts Thursday, July 30, with a huge paella soirée at the local cafe, "La France", complete with Spanish guitar music and Flamenco dancers.

Friday night is Party Night

Friday is when the first big party takes place. As usual, this is held on the Place in front of the Mairie. During the day there are plenty of activities, but principally another Petanque contest, with a paella meal for both participants and spectators - and local wine.

There is exciting Spanish 'Corrida' type music, played by a local band (from Beziers), complete with dancers, dressed in Corrida red and white. The dancers do a traditional dance in front of the marching band, waving their red bandanas over their heads.As they tour the village the sounds of the band waft over the rooftops all afternoon.

They also play and dance at the head of a procession of Camargue horses and bulls - just like a Corrida, just before the Abrivado

The dancers and band, followed by the horses from the Camargue

The first Abrivado
This is followed with an added spectacle of an Abrivado. For many years there has been a particular Spanish Bravados where bulls are let loose in the street. They run from one end to the other chasing the brave young ones who dare to run in front of them, and being chased by those not so brave who run behind. A sort of mini Pamplona.

However, this year, because of the large number of accidents and injuries, the village had instead a traditional Camargue Abrivado. The horseman from the Camargue arrive with their famous white horses, and gallop with the bulls around the streets. They use their remarkable skills of horsemanship to 'chaperone' the bulls as they speed through the village. Yes, occasionally a bull does break loose, and that's the time my cameraman (David) runs behind the nearest barrier - along with all the other spectators lining the streets!

The Abrivado coming up the street from the Mairie and go past our house

In the evening tables and chairs are quickly put in place for people to enjoy their meals and the entertainment. There is a large stage for all the groups that will perform, plus a huge 'canteen' where a large staff of volunteers prepare Spanish Tapas - a variety of meats, including plenty of Merguez, and shellfish such as mussels, for all those who come.

The canteen, with Spanish drapes, opens to it's first customers of the night

Plus, there is a very large bar to sell soft drinks, beers and local wine. It's very well organised. There is entertainment later in the evening from a pretty famous group, Bernard Becker, providing a mixture of Spanish, French and English music. Dancing goes on until well after midnight.

It all starts again on Saturday, with an early morning Abrivado, to help wake you up. And again, in the afternoon and evening, there is more Abrivado, with white horses and bulls galloping around the village, urged on by cheering crowds.

Another meal is prepared on the place - not as large this time, as it is only lunch, but with good local wine as an accompaniment. Later in the afternoon, there is the Toro Piscine, to test the metal of the young (and not so young. This is a mini bull ring, where young bulls and young people can chase each other around, showing just how brave they are. This is not a bull fight. there are no varas, banderillas or swords. It's just good fun. The girls of the village cheer on their boys, and the bulls give them a good run-around, chasing them around the small ring.

Then, in the evening, it's party time, with something like 900 people on the village Place for another large party. This starts with Flamenco dancing from a group called Sévillanes. Then again, there are Spanish Tapas from the canteen (photo right shows the Merguez going on one of the barbecues) , and local wine from the bar.

Later in the evening, there is a soirée mousse. This is where a dance floor, complete with a myriad of disco lighting is erected, and a house DJ plays a wide variety of music. At appropriate intervals, a large wind sock emits mousse onto the dance floor - a very bubbly mixture to excite the dancers. Dancing goes on until well after midnight.

Family affair and beautiful holiday memories
This is a real family affair, with large families all sat together around long tables, together with friends and neighbours from the village. Everyone is here to enjoy a meal, the wine, a chat with friends and neighbours, and good music. A perfect end to a beautiful weekend in the south of France.

When you take your holiday during the summer, do NOT miss out on the enjoyment to be had ain your village. perhaps it will not be quite the same as our village, but it will be good fun and will certainly add to your holiday memories.