The Port was divided into 4 large areas corresponding to the 4 elements: the Fire element on the Infernet and Lunel Quays, the Air element on the Papacino and Cassini Quays, the Earth element on the Quai des Deux Emmanuel, and the Water element on the Quays of Docks, Entrecasteaux, and Riboty. Close to customs, there was a space dedicated to the fifth element: the Port of Nice. By the very will of the event organizers, the Port should be repositioned as the central site of the city of Nice. The large crowd on Saturday evening discovered that this place is very pleasant. The people of Nice and the few tourists were able to rediscover this location, which is increasingly drifting away from the attractive center of the Azure capital. Surrounded by activities (street performances and musical animations throughout the port, pilou matches, artistic performances, laser shows, synchronized swimming demonstrations, jet skis, and diving, activities and playful workshops for children…), they were able to enjoy a sweet, pleasant, and varied moment where the pleasures of the five senses communed with the five elements. Sight with the fireworks, hearing with popular concerts, touch with lovers holding hands under the moonlight, taste with dishes offered by the great chefs of the Coast, and finally the smell of everything the sea exudes… A fleeting communion, the span of a Saturday evening… hoping for many others!
Not far from there, on the other side of the castle, over two days, artisans from the County of Nice gathered to showcase their activities. Organized by the City of Nice, the Remembrança Nissarda, and Sian d’aquì since 1999, the San Bertomiéu Festival, like the port festival, is a symbol of gathering. Without indulging in a tearful caricature tinged with excessive regionalism, it is pleasant to observe such a mix. The gray-haired with their staggered and hesitant steps rub shoulders with the spiked hairstyles of post-teens clinging to the current fashion attitude. They watch and enjoy doing so with the same artisans, the same products. They lend their ears to listen to the same traditional Nissart songs. It was a place to be. Whether for a quick escape as a simple curious visitor or for a long session of questioning exhibitors to know everything about everything, the visit was à la carte!
The Port Festival and the San Bertomiéu Festival stand as essential events at the end of summer. A breath of fresh air before facing the austere pre-winter period.
