If Mayor Eddy Valadier initially wanted to offer a lighter votive party, he finally made the decision to cancel the 2020 edition because of the obligation to wear a mask on the perimeter of the party. Nevertheless, bullfighting shows are maintained with an event entitled “Move with your mask”.
Faced with the obligation to wear a mask outside on the entire perimeter of the votive festival to fight against the spread of a virus that is still present, the City of Saint-Gilles has decided to throw in the towel and cancel the 2020 edition. Between August 28 and August 30, there will therefore be no party as such but only shows in the arenas with two Camargue races at the Avenir / Espoir level, an American rodeo show and the last bull – swimming pool of the year, as well as musical strolls and the rides of the funfair on the alleys Cazelles.
“Responsibility wins out: we have to be consistent in the messages, we can’t say” take care of yourself “and” come and celebrate “… Everyone can understand that we don’t want to not be the origin of a new epidemic outbreak. But it is with heavy hearts and filled with frustration that we make this decision “, announces Benjamin Guidi, deputy mayor delegate to the Festivities. Not the feast of Saint-Gilles as we know it where major events had already been canceled for lack of being able to enforce physical distancing. Like the famous gauze which should have celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and which brings together a lot of spectators, the encierros, the abrivado of 82 bulls or the musical entertainment in the evening.
“Move with your mask”
If initially the green light had been given for the organization of a lighter party, the deterioration of the sanitary situation leading to the prefectural obligation of the compulsory wearing of the mask in certain streets including the perimeter where the party traditionally takes place, the municipality decided not to take any risks. “Unmanageable. For me, it is not the ethics of the party. The conditions do not allow us to envisage a festive event”, complete Benjamin Guidi. It is indeed difficult to force people to party with a mask on their face all day long and to mobilize the police to enforce this new rule.
If there will be no party in the street, shows are nevertheless maintained in the arenas. This year, the event is transformed into “Move with your mask”, with the organization of certain shows in the arenas. Boulevard Gambetta will be reserved for pedestrians, who will be able to enjoy the extensive terraces of cafeterias and restaurateurs, animated by the peñas hired by the City all weekend. About ten stalls of fairground craftsmen will also be present on the alleys Cazelles (from August 20 to 30, mask compulsory from 11 years old).
Corentin Corger
The “Move with your mask” program from August 28 to 30:
– Friday August 28: 7 pm-10pm: 2nd fanfares / peñas festival with the peña Los Caballeros, Putsch Street Band from Istres / Fos sur mer, Peña Del Fuego from Uzès, Fanfare-Peña Le Réveil Tarasconnais (parade: parking lot of arenas, quai du canal, rue Sadi Carnot, rue Gambetta, place Frédéric Mistral and musical stroll in the city center). 9:30 p.m .: Show “RodeoAméricain” at the Emile Bilhau arena (Entrance € 10).
– Saturday August 29: 10 am-7pm: Musical stroll in the city center with the peña Camargua and the Banda Los Pagayos. 4:30 p.m .: Course Avenir / Espoir at the Emile Bilhau arenas 1st day of the Silver Biche: Rieutord (Félix), Frelon (Thibaud), Cristal (Cougourlier), Maestro (Les Baumelles), Artémis (Rousty), Yvain (Lagarde), Darius (Saint Anthony). Raseteurs: Naïm, Brunel, François Martin, Auzolle, Barbie, Garcia F, Cugnère. (Entrance 9 €). 6 p.m .: Solemn mass with the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle at the abbey church. 7:30 p.m .: Musical stroll “Brazilian Batucada” with Viagem Samba in the city center.
– Sunday August 30: 10 am-7pm: Musical stroll in the city center with the peñas the Troubadours of Istres and l’Occitane. 4.30 p.m .: Course Avenir / Espoir at the Emile Bilhau arenas at the Biche d’Argent final: Espeyran (Aubanel), Mérové (Espelly Blanc), Pivert (Layalle), Caberne (Raynaud), Envella (Lautier), Glanum (Cavallini), Manduellois (White JC). Raseteurs: Naïm, François Martin, Brunel, Garcia F, Guerrero, Cugnière, Barbie, Danna (Entrance 9 €). 9:30 p.m .: Bulls in the closing pool at the Emile Bilhau arenas (manadeThibaud) mixed by Yannis Alonzo. Toro de fuego and delivery of the Domino trophy (admission 5 €).
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