Nice Premium: Fabrice Mauro, Sian d’Aqui is starting its tour of the signs. Can you tell us more?
Fabrice Mauro: 59 municipalities of the County of Nice have decided to join us to celebrate “1388, County of Nice” with us.
Especially since these 59 add to the 11 municipalities already equipped.
Imagine that 70 municipalities in the county will have, at the entrance of their town, an entrance plaque with their original name as well as the mention Countéa de Nissa.
NP: Why did you initiate this operation and for what purpose?
FM: In Vaucluse, for example, almost all villages have their name in Provençal, why not us?
The few experiences we have conducted show a real interest from the public, from children. And by installing these plaques, we perfectly illustrate the fact that we are indeed part of the same whole, the same family, the same identity, our dear County of Nice.
NP: Today, we are also celebrating a 620th anniversary. But what exactly are we celebrating?
FM: the 620th anniversary of the dedication of the County of Nice to the House of Savoy. For us, it’s the true birth of the County of Nice. To be completely honest, this is controversial, some vehemently claim that 1388 is not really the start of our identity.
Once and for all, by celebrating this anniversary date, Sian d’Aqui does not claim to give history lessons. Historians are there for that and even they do not agree among themselves, so you can imagine we’re not going to get involved in a debate that is beyond us.
What we are doing, and fortunately, the vast majority of mayors have perfectly understood this, is celebrating our identity, giving us unity.
NP: What festivities are planned for this day?
FM: We will meet around 10:30 a.m. with folk groups, to celebrate this anniversary together, we will say a few words, the bells of the surrounding churches will ring to celebrate the dedication, and we will conclude with a friendly drink together.
And on Sunday, we will be in Villefranche for the first inauguration, and we will install a plaque, which is already legendary: VILLAFRANCA… think about the number of Nissart who, after heading to Villefranche, will slip into Villafranca while singing their chosen version of the famous song.
NP: Finally, what are the future projects of your association after falling into the sign?
FM: For more than 4 months we will be traveling the roads of the County to inaugurate each plaque. In the meantime, we are organizing the 6th festival of laughter from October 15th to 18th. Featuring major acts including the new show by Richard Cairaschi exclusively, Bardaqui. But I think we will have the opportunity to discuss this again in your columns soon.
