Today is la fête nationale (Bastille Day to us anglophones) and in this region the day is subsumed into a four day festival, les fêtes de Mauléon. But for ‘our’ household the family reunion celebrations took precedence. They began at 11 am and finished at 11 pm. Fifty members of Françoise’s family contributed to the feasting, singing, reminiscing and the petanque tournament.

Only near midnight were we whisked off for a glimpse of les fêtes de Mauléon. Quick impressions included: lots of people in the basque ‘uniform’ of white with a red scarf; plenty of brass bands playing or queuing to play; dancing; crowds around bars and cafes; the inevitable side show alley; well lubricated summer crowd setting up for a late, late night; and all happening around the large town square, dominated by the traditional basque fronton (wall against which the game of pelotte is played).

A great day was had by all.

PS Here on  YouTube  is one of many versions of Les fêtes de Mauléon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N1UY8zQSq0&feature=youtube_gdata_player