- La Fête du Baiser
La Fête du Baiser ("festival of the kiss") is a
festival , celebrated the Saturday afterSt. Valentine's Day , in Roquemaure,France nearAvignon . Begun in1989 , it commemorates not onlySaint Valentine , who locals claim as a former resident, but the arrival of his mortal remains in1868 to Roquemaure'scollegiate church reliquary . Celebrations revolve around a return to a 19th century way of life, including costumes and markets, drawing more than 20,000 visitors.The relics of St Valentine were purchased in Rome, in hopes of curing the town's diseased vine stocks; within four years they were healed. Today, Roquemaure is home to a
winery (Cellar St. Valentine) which produces wines named after the saint.The festival was started by a local priest, Father Rene Durieu. Men and women around the village dress as priests and nuns, kissing each other, as well as travellers. Special foods and wines are produced especially for the festival.
External links
* [http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/02/18/1108609398996.html Lip service: The wine and the kisses flow during a passionate French festival] , "
Sydney Morning Herald ",February 18 ,2005
* [http://www.saintvalentin.org/ La Fête des Baisers ou La Festo de Poutoun] fr icon
* [http://www.provenceguide.com/selection-mois/fev07/calendrier-fev07.asp#3 La Fête du Baiser : Saint Valentin à Roquemaure] fr icon
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.