Traditional celebrations in Graveson in Provence

In recent years, Graveson’s Corso parade has gained in popularity among the region’s Carnivals.

The warm and festive atmosphere which reigns during the two Sunday parades is not merely a matter of folkloric tradition. The people of Graveson participate actively in the preparation of festivities. Many work all year round to prepare their themed floats. Associations, groups of friends, the Festival Committee, Technical Services… every inhabitant of the town lends a hand to prepare a beautiful Carnival for its visitors.

Over the past few years, the Corso has attracted 3,000 visitors. The town streets are filled with local and regional visitors alike, who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere which prevails.

In addition to the Corso, other special events also take place such as the arrival of Her Majesty Caramentran and the Aubade des Mois (tribute to the events of the preceding year and to singing and costumed poets) which both take place on the first weekend. The other main event is held the second weekend with the Jugement du Caramentran.

These festivals (St. Eloi, St. Roch, St. John) rooted in the town’s oldest traditions were celebrated as far back as the 17^th century in Maillane and Châteaurenard. More than a mere element of regional folklore, the festivals are living rituals passed down from the town’s ancestors. Essentially rural, these festivals attach great importance to Provençal language and costumes.

Patron saint of goldsmiths and blacksmiths, St. Eligius became the patron saint of guilds for farmers and horse-related trades. The “carreto ramado” (float covered in greenery or wheat) cavalcade marches in honor of this saint.

In this parade, a number of horses are lined up one after the other, following the main float. If the horses are galloping, two dozen of them participate. If they are walking, as many as fifty can participate in the parade.

The horses are harnessed “à la sarrasine” with ornate bridles and collars, richly decorated with tufts of wool, multicolored ribbons, tassels and feathers of beautiful blue, dark red, yellow colors as well as little inlaid mirrors and bells.

Each horse is held by a cart-driver, member of la confrerie (brotherhood) and traditionally dressed in a white shirt and blue pants. Women and young girls dressed in Provençal costumes ride the horses.

These festivities take place from mid-June to early September in different villages of Mistralian Provence between the Rhône River, the Alpilles region and the Durance River.

We are eager to welcome you to our town for an unforgettable experience in Provence.

For more information, please see : Festival of St.Eloi from July 23rd to 27th, 2010