Colors of Saint-Tropez - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

San Tropez is a city of splendid traditions which have been formed through many centuries. The city owes its name to a martyr Saint Torpes. Local residents treat their patron saint with honor and each year great celebrations are organized to respect the patron. The Festival takes place in the middle of May and lasts for three days. The celebration has gained the greatest popularity and recognition among foreign guests. The program of the festival is a unique fusion of festive ceremonial military parades, the brightest carnival processions, astonishing pyrotechnic productions and great music performances.

Anyone who feels like taking part in this grand festival can join the show. The only condition of participation in the performances is having historical folk costume on. On the third day of the festival the city holds various religious events. A portrait sculpture of the patron saint which is kept in the Saint Anne Chaplet is carried through the streets of the city. In the late afternoon a major part of the citizens set off to the suburban areas of the city, private nature nooks and to local parks and gardens organizing picnics and enjoying open air leisure till the late evening.

A cultural program offered by the city is not limited to the historical and religious celebrations and holidays. The city of Saint Tropez is an established place for holding of various holidays and festivals of global scale. One of such global events is the bikers’ festival named Harley-Euro. This international meeting of bikers engages bike fans from all over the world. They arrive at the destination by bikes passing thousands of kilometers on the way to the festival. Bikers organize festive drives and competitions as well as demonstrate the audience their bike driving techniques. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tourists admiring sport competitions and attractions should visit the resort city of Saint Tropez in September as during this period the city holds annual sailing competitions. Local coastline is a perfect destination for various water sports. Local residents are proud of their culture and traditions and eagerly acquaint foreign guests with favorite traditions and customs. During any festival and holiday tourists will feel easy and homey on the resort. From the first moments of Saint Tropez visit the foreign guests will completely be absorbed in the atmosphere of comfort and hospitality.

In August (or more precisely, at the end of the month) another regatta awaits those visiting St. Tropez, which is a kind of preparation for the sailing competition that is to take place the following month. We are talking about L'Aoutienne-Trophée Pourchet, and the event is no less than its September counterpart. The harbor of the Pearl of the Cote d'Azur is fast becoming the most visited place in the entire city. Its visitors include both city guests and locals. About thirty yachts participate in the festival, with thematic excursions, with cruises on luxurious sailboats being a wonderful addition to the event.

The end of July (sometimes the beginning of August) is marked by a bright event – Festival de Ramatuelle, which takes place in the nearby town Ramatuelle. The program of the festival is devoted to theatrical art in all its manifestations and is very rich. It includes drama, humor, and avant-garde art. The venue of the festival is the beautiful Theater de Verdure, located in the open air. The main feature of the festival is that tourists can not only enjoy the beautiful theatrical performances but also have a great rest in the fresh air.

September is interesting not only because it is a time for holding a colorful sailing competition, but also for the fact that it is an interesting time for music lovers and connoisseurs of beauty. The thing is that, at this time in Saint-Tropez, a delightful musical event called Nuits du Château de la Moutte is held in one of the most remarkable historical sights Château de la Moutte. Here, in the magnificent courtyard of the French castle, you can listen to equally beautiful works of classical music. This venue was chosen because from here, from the inner courtyard, fantastic views of the Cote d'Azur enveloped in gorgeous sailboats and boats open up. The European Day of Music, Fete de la Musique, is also celebrated in Saint-Tropez on June 21st. The venue of the event is the picturesque streets of the city.

On July 15th, right after the celebration of the French national holiday in honor of the capture of the Bastille, Les Bravades is held in Saint-Tropez. It also recalls the events of long gone years. The celebration is dedicated to the year 1637 when the great victory was won over the Spanish flotilla which consisted of 22 ships, while the fleet of Saint-Tropez consisted of only 4 ships. Up until this point, the city was a small village, industrial fishing – but it was from this moment that everything changed, turning it into a strategically important tourist attraction. Important fortifications were built, and more people moved here. During the festival, the harbor of the city again becomes the most visited place, as impressive events are played out on the water surface repeating the battle of 1637.