Sunday, March 25, 2012, at 11:30 AM at Jean Paul II Square – Nice
(in front of the Cimiez Monastery). The Mayor will join in the organized festivities and lay a wreath at the war memorial along with Roger Depetris, Secretary General of the Committee of Niçoise Traditions.
At noon, a reception will be held in the rose garden of Cimiez, with the festive atmosphere of the early 20th century, accompanied by the dances and songs of the County of Nice. Numerous artists and folklore groups will participate: Richard Cairaschi, Lou Caïreu Niçart, La Ciamada Nissarda, Nice la Belle, Li Barragnas, Yves Rousguisto, Vivre en couleurs… You can also stroll among the stands of decorated cougourdons and local products.
The first Niçoise festival of the year, the Grand Festin dei Cougourdoun gathers more than 3,000 people each year.
The “Courgourdons” feast gets its name from the market held in front of the church square at the Cimiez monastery. The “cougourdon” is the Niçois name given to the fruit of a plant from the gourd family. This inedible vegetable, introduced to our region in the 16th century, was quickly adopted by the Niçois for its specific qualities. Waterproof, once dried in the sun, it is often used as kitchen utensils. Its original shapes inspire artisans. Musicians also find in this atypical vegetable a strong musical potential. It continues to inspire Niçois musicians and artists who perpetuate and revisit the tradition of the “cougourdon”.
Photo credit: www.nice.fr
