The year 2023 celebrates the commemoration of the 480th anniversary of the Siege of Nice. The metropolis of Nice has organized numerous cultural events for the occasion. It has notably honored a prominent female figure from the siege of Nice, Catherine Ségurane.
On August 14th, at the foot of the commemorative stele, the Nice folkloric groups gathered on that warm summer evening. The audience was completely captivated by the traditional music of the marching band. The dancers contributed cheerfully to the folklore of this event. In the background stands the illustrious Nice college, which carries the name of the heroine Catherine Ségurane. All the school students know and enjoy telling the story of a woman who repelled the Ottomans by showing her buttocks! But what is the real story?
A Brief Historical Overview
Thus, during the Ninth Italian War, in 1543, war dangerously loomed over Nice. Tensions reached their peak in August 1543. For twenty days, over twenty thousand Franco-Turks besieged the city of Nice. According to legend, in mid-August, the appearance of the Virgin Mary and the very particular action of Catherine Ségurane repelled the enemy. Indeed, it is said that the Niçoise heroine showed “a fleshy part” of her anatomy. However, Jean-Baptiste Toselli, a Niçoise writer, explains that this legend was invented by the Niçoise chronicler Scalier in the 19th century. He reportedly took it from those who sought to question the existence of Catherine Ségurane. Although not very flattering, this legend, which has remained popular, has contributed to somewhat diminishing the credit of her heroic action.
“Issa Nissa Quite Simply”
It is in these terms that the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, concluded his speech. “Catherine Ségurane must be a model for the modern woman and for the Niçoise woman,” he also declared. The mayor of Nice speaks with such pride because Catherine Ségurane has risen to the rank of Niçoise heroine. She is an obligatory reference for anyone claiming a certain mastery of Niçoise history. Undoubtedly, Catherine Ségurane is a “symbol of freedom and resistance.” As a true iconic figure of the Niçoise region, she expresses a strong patriotic and identity sentiment. Christian Estrosi further emphasized the importance of preserving history and heritage in times when “we clearly see the weaknesses of our society.” He recalls, at the same time, the date of July 27, 2021, when Nice was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This inscription on the UNESCO list contributes to preserving Niçoise history and traditions.
Commemoration Program of 2023
A committee, led by Jean-Luc Gagliolo, deputy mayor in charge of Education and Culture in schools, has been set up to determine the commemoration program. The year has been rich in events! From October 5, 2023, to January 7, 2024, you can discover an exhibition dedicated to Catherine Ségurane at the Musée Masséna.
