The municipality of Barcelonnette celebrates Latin America! As for almost 40 years, the Provencal conurbation celebrates its common past with Mexico in large colorful and musical parades from August 7 to 15, 2022.
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Sombreros and mariachis, the small town of Barcelonnette in the Southern Alps is taking on the air of Mexico this summer. The town hosts the 37th edition of Latin Mexican festivals until August 15. Festivities that have become unmissable celebrate the links between the two countries, which are more than 9,000 kilometers apart. You have to go back to the 19th century to find the starting point of this explosive cultural mix.
At that time, inhabitants of Barcelonnette went to Mexico to work and make their fortune. Once back and thanks to the accumulated moneythese emigrants built grandiose houses which were then baptized mexican villas of the Ubaye valley. These trips multiplied until the beginning of the 20th century, forming a common heritage between the two nations.
Thus, each year Barcelonnette hosts parades of dancers in flamboyant clothes, punctuated by the catchy melodies of musicians straight from South America. The Tonatiuh group introduces you to the Aztec culture during festive strolls in the small, narrow streets of the town. A moment of sharing appreciated by tourists and artists alike. “Those who organize this party honor our Mexican culture, it is very moving for us. It makes us very happy and it gives us a lot of joy.”rejoices Nora Dela Cruz, member of the group Tonatiuh.
“This is atypical especially in a sector like that. It’s great, it changes the scenery a bit, we spend a pleasant momentyou“, adds a tourist who came with his family. For just over a week, the curious can discover Latin customs and cuisine through several free workshops and shows. More than 50,000 people are expected throughout the festivities which promise to be exotic.
Latin Mexican festivals in Barcelonnetteuntil August 15, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, free.