Contrary to what one might think in these times of crisis, the budget for summer events in Menton has not been cut – it has been at least maintained for some activities, and even increased for others – and it is Jean-Claude Guibal, the deputy mayor, who says so, arguing that it is precisely because of the current atmosphere that we must continue to “give dreams.”
Not only should this still be the case, but additionally, you will feel as though you are traveling while still being in Menton. Indeed, there is always something special happening in the city of lemons, as confirmed and affirmed by Didier Leonetti, the director of the (starred) Office of Tourism, and Jacques Tudes, the deputy mayor in charge of tourism.
Starting by believing yourself to be in Argentina, the land of Tango, with this concept from Bernadette Onnis “My City is Tango,” whose eighth edition ends today, on National Day. This edition, having surpassed “the age of reason” offered a balanced program where everyone could find something appealing. We have not yet managed to transform the Fishermen’s district into a district of Buenos Aires, but the resemblance lies not only in the decoration, there is the same soul.
“In Menton, I feel this soul of the Tango,” states the artistic director of the festival, who knows what she is talking about as she spends a month there each year to plan the programming for the next edition. Today is the last day to feel this passion for the Tango and imagine dancing it in the streets of the Argentine capital and not only because of Maté, the traditional drink of western Argentina…
Do not miss the “Kaz Bankoulélé”…
After a few days of rest or physical relaxation, you will head to the Caribbean with the Creole Festival (July 17-19), which will hold its 3rd edition in the city of lemons. The France of the Mediterranean will open up to that of the three oceans, and Menton is a beautiful example of extending a hand and honoring Martinique, Guadeloupe, the Indian Ocean, Haiti, and Guyana. Over these three days, more than fifty “kaz” will be set up on the Esplanade Pantiero, transforming it into a real Creole village that will host a range of animations. The most popular will undoubtedly be the “Kaz Bankoulélé” (the Party House). A novelty to note, “the meeting place for children” every day from 2 pm to 5 pm for tales, dances, workshops, snacks…
Come “to the countries where culture is a celebration” as Marie-Reine de Jaham, the president of the Mediterranean Caribbean Circle, which organizes this event described “as the only major event in the Azurian region of national scale entirely dedicated to the promotion of the overseas territories.” Proof of this, the presence of Raphaël Martine, the mayor of Saint-Pierre in Martinique, and a number of artistic personalities including Emile Antile, the true ambassador of Biguine who performs worldwide. Imagine, he will stop in Menton on the 17th for the opening night!
Don’t repeat it, but it seems to me that he will still be there the next day at the Westminster Hotel for a “Ti-punch”… dancing, of course. Menton is waiting for you to travel even further and hotter…
You’ll have even more days to recover from your exhaustion before switching gears with a concert by Grégoire, an artist who became known in a unique way, on the net, but was produced by a “subscription” that attracted 338,000 buyers. “Entre dans la danse” and “Toi+Moi,” his two most famous tracks have brought him sudden fame.
The “Diamond Wedding Anniversary” of the Classical Music Festival
As a result, he was called to perform on the grand stage of the Fête de la Musique in Paris, an event he had never participated in as a musician. After the great success of the “Nouvelle Star 2008” artists’ concert, the city wanted to offer another concert financially accessible to everyone at a unique rate of 20 euros! It will again be held at the Rondelli Stadium on July 29, one of the only dates for the region during his tour.
Then, the last highlight of this musical summer will be the 60th anniversary of the Classical Music Festival (July 31 – August 16) of which Jean-Marie Tomasi, the artistic director, was proud and very moved to show us the poster of the first festival in 1950!!!
He revealed that he had been able to participate in his first festival at the age of 11 thanks to the generosity of André Borrochs, the creator of this event which he has always wanted to respect the past and be open to the future.
Menton is the only classical music festival to be able to boast its Diamond Jubilee with the public, and the great Barbara Hendricks moved one of her dates to be in Menton on August 5. Without a doubt, there will be other strong moments as well as surprises, 60 years for a festival, that’s not celebrated every day…
