Every year in the month of May, the members of the cultural association Lou Peuy, and the inhabitants of the Paillon valleys, perpetuate the tradition of the Spring Festival in Sclos de Contes. This ancient custom, which dates back to the 11th century, was originally an exclusively religious festival. Pilgrims came in procession from the communes of Contes, Berre, and Peille. The tradition held that this pilgrimage would bring beneficial rains for the summer crops.
The cultural association Lou Peuy has revived this tradition for 30 years, and it is by the communal paths, linking Contes village to the chapel Sainte Hélène of Sclos de Contes, that walkers perpetuate this ancestral custom.
The walk will take place this year, this Saturday.
The meeting point is set in front of the war memorial of Contes at 8:30 AM. Hospitable, delicious, and reinvigorating stops, generously offered by the local residents, will punctuate the walk.
At 12 o’clock, an honorary aperitif will be offered by the municipality of Contes, to all the walkers and the population, in the magnificent communal park of Sainte Hélène.
Then the country buffet, prepared by the association’s volunteers -pans bagnats with local olive oil, grills, pastries, and Carros strawberries- will allow everyone to replenish their energy in a very convivial atmosphere.
A musical ambiance, with balèti, will enliven the afternoon under the shade of olive trees. The traditional free distribution of apple fritters, prepared and distributed by our members, will conclude the afternoon, followed by the raffle draw.
