Saint-Jean-en-Laye or Saint-Germain-de-Luz, your choice… In any case, there will be a bit of this funny mixture throughout this weekend on the occasion of the Luzian celebrations. This is the third time that Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines) has taken on the Basque accent in May, as a nod to its counterpart in the south west, Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Pyrenees -Atlantic). A new opportunity for residents to take advantage of summer before its time.
The festivities officially began this Friday evening, with the reception of the Basque delegation led by its mayor, Jean-François Irigoyen, and, in the process, the launch of the Basque cake competition – a real institution – to which the merchants of the city are called upon to participate.
But the biggest entertainment is coming this Saturday with a demonstration of Basque pelota on the pediment of the Place du Marché-Neuf, musical strolls, a battle of confetti or even a toro de fuego, this pyrotechnic show that parodies bullfights .
Louis XIV, the historical link between the two cities
In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it takes place every year on Place Louis-XIV. And this is where you have to find the main link between the two cities. Born in Saint-Germain, the future Sun King was married in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which makes the communes two royal cousins.
“Personally, I also have a particular affection for the Basque Country”, underlines Arnaud Péricard the mayor (Horizons) of Saint-Germain who – “like a certain number of Saint-Germain residents elsewhere” – goes into exile regularly. In the region.
Recently, the two cities wanted to formalize their ties by establishing a common charter intended to establish “a relationship of friendship and cooperation”. Like a little pairing. “It is a question of setting up a series of exchanges, in particular on the cultural or sporting level”, specifies Arnaud Péricard.
This Saturday, from 10.30 a.m., Place du Marché Neuf.
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