Maximilien Carlier (à Genech)
If the Pentecost weekend is synonymous with family reunions, some see things big. Even very large. This is particularly the case of the Deffontaines-Maes family, which meets every four years for an XXL cousinade. In Genech, in the North, they will be more than 800 descendants to go there. Europe 1 attended the final preparations.
“There, should we stretch or not? What should we do…” Charles, who is preparing for the Pentecost weekend, is lost in his organization. And for good reason: he takes care of the preparations for an XXL cousinade. This will accommodate nearly 800 members of his very, very extended family. Preparing such a reception is a real headache for the cousin. “It’s a bit complicated. Four years ago it was easy but there…”, he breathes. Because the last time this big family got together was in 2019.
Between the youngest and the oldest, a century apart
This large family organizes a cousinade every four years. 830 descendants are expected this Sunday with very varied ages as explained by Luc, another member of Deffontaines-Maes. “It will go from the youngest … A cousin who has a ten-day-old baby, to the oldest of the family aged 97. Almost a century apart!”, He explains.
On site, the Deffontaines-Maes family will be able to find entertainment: bouncy castles, football tournaments, card games… And also a family support stand also run by Pierre-Albert. “In concrete terms, we helped with job searches and internships. We helped 90 cousins thanks to the network,” he explains proudly. More than a network: a family spirit that dates back to 1856. At the time, Charles-Louis Deffontaines had hoped that these six sons would maintain family ties. 167 years later, it seems the tradition lives on.
2023-05-28 04:24:33
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