What is GranTourismo?
In 2010, globetrotting travel writers Lara Dunston and Terence Carter, in partnership with HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, will trade hotel rooms for holiday homes as they embark on a contemporary grand tour of the globe. They’ll be travelling slowly, living like locals, doing and learning things, and giving something back at each destination they visit. Their mission is to explore more enriching and authentic ways of travelling, and make travel more meaningful and more memorable.
Travel Blogging Competition
Social Media Links
Snapshots! Our latest photos…
Check out our videos…
-
April 6, 2010
Perpignan, a City of Festivals
[gallery link="file" columns="4"]
“The town is alive – there’s always something going on," Carl, our host in Perpignan, had told us when we met him for a coffee shortly after we arrived.“I’ll hear a trumpet and drums from my window and I’ll stick my head out and there’ll be a band and crowd moving down the street, so I’ll just go and follow them,” he said.
Which is exactly what he did the next day and why we followed him when he phoned to tell us there were costumed dancers and drummers in the streets, and they were headed for Place de la République.
We had noticed guys setting up a stage for some kind of concert when we were on the Place that morning, but we had assumed it might have been associated with the Good Friday Procession de la Sanch, one of the main reasons for our trip to Perpignan. It wasn't.
Instead, the Place was a riot of colour and sound courtesy of an eco-themed fête to celebrate France's national sustainable development week or Semaine du Développement Durable. Families, groups of children, dance and theatre troupes, jazz bands, and performance artists - everything from jugglers to fire-eaters - filled the square. Kids wore homemade costumes created from recycled materials, their parents and the good citizens of Perpignan wore green sun hats, and there were plenty of eco-friendly products on display.
Perpignan is famous for its non-stop calendar of festivals and concerts held throughout the warmer months, especially in summer when events are geared toward the holiday crowds. The most popular is Le Festival d'Été de Perpignan (the Summer Festival of Perpignan), a jam-packed programme of dance, music, theatre and film, held throughout most of July. Perpignan also hosts a highly regarded International Festival of Photojournalism, Visa Pour L'Image, held from August through September.
This, we're guessing, was very different to the festivals for which the Catalan city is famous. This little fête was very much a family-oriented, community-driven event and there was something so endearingly 'local' about the performances, the handmade costumes, the hastily put-together displays, as well as the laidback atmosphere. See for yourself.
Click on the gallery above to view the afternoon's images up close.
This entry was posted in Getaway, The ‘Hood, Under the Skin and tagged DJ Raph et the Primaveras, Easter, festival, festivals, Fête du Tri, France, International Festival of Photojournalism, Languedoc-Rousillon, Le Festival d'Été de Perpignan, living like locals, Local Travel, Perpignan, Place de la République, Procession de la Sanch, Semaine du Développement Durable, slow travel, Southwestern France, summer festivals, sustainable travel, the Summer Festival of Perpignan, travel, Visa Pour L'Image. Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
6 Comments
OK. By FAR these images are my favourite. FINALLY someone has taken some images of Perpignan that really capture the character of the people. I like all the others however there is something to be said for people shots. I am absolutely thrilled to have met you.
You have to admit. What you have achieved in 2 days here is amazing. To organise this with a crew and then put it together is very difficult. You are to be congratulated. This is a very professional portrayal of Perpignan, where you have offered affordable vacation possibilities. WELL DONE! And all in just a few short days. And only two people. How do you do it?
A huge thank you on behalf of all those who will benefit from your efforts and enjoy your personal point of view. Sharing your images and travel experiences enriches us all.
Hello Carl
Thank you so much for your comments – truly appreciated!
We’re thrilled to get such feedback – especially from a *local*!
It was an absolute delight to have met you, too, and to have had such a fantastic introduction and insight into Perpignan. Really! x
I visited Perpignan along with hudreds of other supporters of Rugby League since the local team became part of “Super League”. I cannot begin to thank enough the friendly local bars, cafes and hotels who along with the supporters of the “Dragons” have made everyone welcome to this vibrant and exciting town.
Merci Beaucoup.
That must have been some experience! We went to a game in little Ceret and it was lively to say the least! Would love to see a bigger match. Thanks for dropping by!
This Friday, June 11, 2010 I’m going to Perpignan for a product training. Can not wait to be there after looking at your site’s photos…..
Thanks, Doni! I hope you enjoyed Perpignan!