Saint Bartholomew’s Day celebrates the patron saint of butchers, tanners, and bookbinders. It’s a way to share the culture of Nice and our Piedmontese friends. Our local skills and products are showcased on September 3rd and 4th, 2011, at Garibaldi Square.
The weather is not looking great on this Sunday, September 4th, 2011. It has been raining for a few minutes now, but nothing stops the people of Nice from coming to celebrate Saint Bartholomew at Garibaldi Square. While the San Bertoumieu fair had been held for several years in the Old Town of Nice for practical reasons, it has returned today to Garibaldi Square.
The people of Nice turned out despite the weather and venue. It must be said that the pan bagnat prepared by “la Capeline d’or” attracts more than a few people. Across from them, the socca is also popular. Not far away, Bellet wine and Nice A.O.C. olive oil are open for tasting. Italian specialties are also present, with stands of charcuterie and cheese enticing passersby with their aromas.
Garibaldi renovated by the end of the year
A female voice coming from speakers installed for the occasion wishes everyone a good festival in Nissart. Benoît Kandel, the Deputy Mayor and General Councilor, is in attendance. He is accompanied on stage by Jean-Marc Giaume, the Municipal Councilor responsible for historical heritage, archaeology, and the language and culture of Nice. This occasion also provides an opportunity to announce the upcoming opening of the crypt, discovered during the tramway construction. With a surface area of 2000m2, the people of Nice will be able to dive into the history of the city again. A bilingual Niçois/French school is also expected to open soon. Similarly, the renovation of the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher is about to begin. The facades of the square will all be completely redone by the end of the year.
While the two politicians withdraw, the troupe La Ciamada Nissarda begins to sing songs in Niçois.
Link between producers and the public
M. Giaume explains to us, “If this event has such longevity, it is because we are determined to perpetuate our culture. The San Bertoumieu allows us to announce future projects. But it also serves to connect producers with the public.”
And while some regret the absence of livestock this year, M. Giaume promises us they will return for the next edition.
