The “festin dei cougourdoun” is coming on March 24 for all the Nissarts who want to participate in this Nice tradition.
On Sunday, March 24, starting at 10 a.m. at the Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez, the Fête des Cougourdons will take place. As a reminder, cougourdons are flowering plants from the Cucurbitaceae family. Their fruit has been used in its dry state since prehistoric times worldwide to create various objects such as containers, musical instruments, or even decorative items. The “Festin des courgourdons” derives its name from the market that was held on the church square in front of the Cimiez monastery. This tradition has been present in our region since the 16th century.
What is the schedule?
The city of Nice highlights the arrival of spring in joy and in the purest Nissart traditions of the Fête des Cougourdons. On the agenda: activities, folk dances, traditional singing, balèti, and also the eco-cougourdon to recycle plastic for making gourd-shaped keychains. You just need to bring your bottle caps.
Here is the schedule:
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Activities, folk dances, traditional singing, balèti
11:30 a.m.: Laying of a wreath at the War Memorial
12 p.m.: Reception drink
1 p.m.: The Disaccordés at the Kazou – Choir
2:15 p.m.: Dance performance by La Ciamada Nissarda
3 p.m.: World championship of pétadou! Register at 04 97 13 45 96
3:45 p.m.: Dance performance by Nice La Belle
4:30 p.m.: Dance performance by Lou Caireu Niçart
5 p.m.: Balèti with the Mai Qu’aco from Nice La Belle
