It’s an event inherited from the Middle Ages that the city of Nice, wishing to perpetuate customs and traditions, honored on Saturday evening.
Each year, on June 29th, for their Patron Saint’s day, the fishermen’s guild of Nice would burn the most dilapidated boat of the poorest among them, and by pooling their resources, would offer him a new one, all accompanied by songs, dances, and festivities.
The mass took place in the Church of Notre Dame du Port with Deputy Mayor Christian Estrosi, his first deputy Eric Ciotti, as well as officials invited to the event in attendance. It was an exceptionally pleasant and very convivial evening where one could see that everyone present was happy to participate, suggesting that the tradition is indeed alive for everyone’s enjoyment.
The musical group Lanciour accompanied the procession and the boarding on the Triton, where the priest, dignitaries, and the press were on board, with Christian Estrosi offering the majestic bouquet of flowers to the big blue, in tribute to the fishermen and sailors who were lost at sea.
The return of the officials took place around 9:50 PM, followed by speeches from Mr. Christian Coran, President of “La Mouette,” and Mr. Alex Plusquellec, President of the Prud’hommie of fishermen of Nice, who recounted the history of Saint Peter with valuable details.
Christian Estrosi concluded with a laudatory speech about Nice and its traditions, as well as the future of the Port of Nice, to which he is deeply committed.
As tradition dictates, the boat was burned, and in its blaze, it lit up the eyes of the many people present with a thousand lights, in the joy and happiness of having been able to participate in this beautiful tradition, which this year took place at the Port of Nice.
