Feria in Nimes - May 19-May 24 2010

Feria in Nimes Thursday, May 20, 2010 5:18 PM        Today is the second day of the "Feria", Nimes' claim to fame in the calendar of Europe's great festivals.  In fact, it is considered the second biggest party ever after Munich's "Octoberfest".  Munich's festival is all about beer.  Nimes' is about bull fighting in the 2000 year old Roman arena.  There are supposed to be a million people here, carrying on in the streets all night to the sounds of Spanish music, plus modern additions of rap, techno, house, pop, jazz, etc.  I calculate that 54 bulls will be put to death by 21? of the finest matadors of Europe.  But since I'm not an afficionada I don't have a program in front of me.  I do know that 6 bulls are killed in each program, and some days there are two programs.          Last weekend, the Ascension Holiday, a local bullfighter, Sebastien Castella, fought a solitary program against all six bulls in the Arena (a very special feat).  All of the receipts are to go to Haiti! Not only that, but the famous Colombian artist Botero made a special poster of him for this event, and sold the numbered copies for Haiti relief.  I got a free copy of the poster (the comercial variety, not numbered) because I like Botero, and it is a nice souvenir.  I haven't seen the figures on the money for Haiti, but Castella was counting on more that a million Euros!         The big Feria takes place every year during the French National Pentecost Holiday. and it lasts 5 days.  We try to leave town during this time because of the noise, dirt, disorder, and general messiness (not enough porta-potties, people getting sick in the streets, and graffiti everywhere).  So, although we haven't noticed much disruption so far, we are going to Avignon tomorrow for two nights to see some theatre, "Le Petit Prince", and some museums.   We will be back on Sunday, so will not miss any street festivities on Sunday and Monday, May 23 and 24.  Of course we will not be seeing any of the bullfights.     The weather is starting to get better, and so we are feeling better too.  I still haven't been able to wear summer clothes, though.  I hate the idea of having to wear pantyhose while sightseeing in Avignon.   I'll give you an update when we get back.                      Love, Lynn and Bill