Initially scheduled for Monday, February 14th, the traditional maritime flower battle of Villefranche-sur-Mer will take place on Friday, February 18th.
For this new edition, about fifteen fishing boats, adorned with multicolored flowers, carnations, and mimosas, will parade at the Port de la Santé. The fishermen will be dressed in the traditional Provençal fisherman’s attire and will pass close to the shores!
Throughout the afternoon, entertainment will also be offered on the docks: folkloric music groups, a musical show, and quizzes.
Program:
–1:30 PM: Carnival parade on the docks.
–2:00 PM: Launch of the Flowered Naval Battle at the Port de la Santé and folkloric group entertainment on Place Amélie Pollonnais.
–7:00 PM: Musical show “Ciné Guinguette” at the Citadelle Auditorium.
This event traces its origins back to 1902, during the rise of carnival festivities on the French Riviera.
Every year, many families from Villefranche participate with about fifteen boats to continue this century-old celebration.
The “pointus,” typical boats from the south of France, passed down through generations as part of a unique cultural heritage, are decorated with carnations and mimosas for this occasion. And even though they are no longer used for their original purpose, fishing, they have become a remarkable means of preserving the Mediterranean soul.
