Colors of Lourdes - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Try to learn at least a dozen simple phrases in French before you travel to Lourdes. Of course, many citizens speak English quite well. Almost everyone knows at least a little English but they just don't like to speak it here. The French are very patriotic. This is often expressed in a sense of superiority of the French nation over all others. So if you want to please the locals, it's better to try to speak their native language. By the way, if you urgently need to know something, you can ask the police. Tourist assistance is also the task of the law enforcement forces in Lourdes.

Many tourists know that the ability to speak beautifully is valued in France. The people of Lourdes make no exception. Beautiful speech and the ability to solve problems through conversation is an important virtue here. Then more than a good joke can quickly relieve tension in a conflict situation. The French love conflict much more than you might imagine. If you accidentally step on the foot of a Frenchman and don't apologize or decide to listen to music loudly somewhere at midnight, then you will certainly hear a lot of unpleasant words from locals.

However, the locals are not vindictive at all. You may see the recent altercation participants, who almost got into a fight, talking peacefully over a glass of wine half an hour later in Lourdes. They didn't make peace or apologize to each other. They just forgot about the incident. Local people appreciate the ability to take all pleasures from life - savoir vivre. This is a very multifaceted concept. The French learn its meaning from childhood. The best food, the best clothes, good manners, politeness, freedom – all this is connected with the pleasure of life. However, you should understand that local residents work overtime at the same time. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

It's customary to leave a tip here. You should leave tips not only to waiters but also to gas station employees, porters, and car service workers. The tip amount is within 10% of the order amount. Remember that the locals are not punctual. If a person's social status is high, he can afford to be later. You should remember that the French never forgive a lack of politeness. The locals make joke that even a Frenchman who has drunk too much alcohol, first says goodbye to everyone gallantly, kissing the ladies' hands, and only then fall asleep in the nearest bushes.

It should be noted also that the locals perfectly combine romanticism and pragmatism. If a girl comes alone to Lourdes, she will receive an incredible amount of exquisite compliments from all the local men. It seems that boys are taught to flirt almost from kindergarten age here. Of course, the local man will try to seduce the girl he likes if possible. It's a kind of national tradition here. Moreover, many citizens have paramours. Their life partners are well aware of this. However, casual encounters rarely develop into anything more. It's customary to start a family late here. A man and a woman marry after several years of cohabitation. Many residents hope that they are getting married forever.

If you are invited to dinner somewhere, you should remember that it is quite normal to eat at eight, nine or even ten o'clock in the evening here. Please note that home slippers are completely absent in the everyday life of most local residents. In general, of course, there is no dirt or debris on the streets of Lourdes. However, at first, it is difficult to accept the fact that it is customary to walk around the house directly in street shoes here. You should keep in mind that local people are extremely politically correct despite all current trends. They are very negative about racist or sexist statements.

Lourdes is the second major center for pilgrims after Rome. This has had an impact on the mentality of local residents. Most of the townspeople are sincerely religious people. They regularly attend church and celebrate all Christian holidays with their families. The largest celebrations are associated with the dates of the appearance of Mother of God to local resident Bernadette Soubirous. February 11, August 15, June 16, and October 7 – each of these days is associated with the Virgin Mary. It attracts many religious people from all over the world to Lourdes. Festive services are held in local churches at this time. Charity fairs are held on the streets of the town. Christmas, Easter, and Epiphany are celebrated on a large scale here.