This Sunday, July 30th, the “Messa dou Malounat” took place at the Church of the Gesรน. This mass celebrates the end of the cholera epidemic in 1854 after installing and praying to the statue of Our Lady of Good Help on Malonat Street. Present were Jean-Luc Gagliolo, municipal councilor for Historical Heritage, Elisabeth Bondanelli, head of the Malounat Association, and Fรฉlix Macri, president of the Remembranรงa Nissarda.
From 9:30 am, the crowd is bustling in front of the church. Members of the Laciamada Nissarda joke among themselves while waiting for the mass to end so they can enter and sing religious songs from Nice. Dressed in period costumes, they are proud to give the event a reenactment aspect.
The mass lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. For the respect of tradition, it is held in French and Nissart. The fact that the event is religious does not prevent good humor. Thus, Father Michel Angella, who co-celebrates the mass, pauses to announce news that delights him: the city hall is offering a buffet once the celebration is over. An announcement that amuses but also piques the interest of those present.
The moment of consecration comes, where the statue is placed back in its niche. Jean-Luc Gagliolo takes the opportunity to fulfill his mission of the day. He inaugurates today the plaque of the “Terrasse dei Prioulessa dou Malounat”. It’s an occasion to say a few nostalgic words about the history of the neighborhood.
Elisabeth Bondanelli gives a speech of thanks, not without a few tears. Her association is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and seeing so many people present to remember the history of Nice means a lot. The municipal councilor, in turn, delivers some strong words on the identity of the people of Nice and the importance of heritage. “By supporting events like this, we ensure that our local culture does not disappear”.
