Par Lou Attard
Published on 28 Jul 22 at 21:16
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This Thursday morning, the Feast of Lodges, usually empty at this time, hosted a special event. At 11 a.m., the showmen and the disciplines were waiting for the carriage transporting the statue of Saint Fiacre, the mayor, Arnaud Péricard, the queen of the Fête des Loges and other officials. With a little delay, the procession starts.
A popular and religious festival
After having toured the Fête des Loges and blessed the stands, Father Etienne Guilletepiscopal vicar of the Diocese of Versailles and chaplain to the fairgrounds, welcomed the faithful for the messe on the track usually used by bumper cars.
–He explains to the assembly:
“Two thousand people work here every year. It’s 160 fairground companies. […] We probably have with the Fête des Loges and the Fête de la Saint-Fiacre, the oldest popular tradition of the diocese of Versailles, long before this diocese existed. It is also a religious tradition because in a few moments we are going to celebrate the Eucharist. […] We think above all of all those families who make a living from the party. Saint-Fiacre is a patronal feast in honor of a gardener who allows everything to grow. »
Both carriage leading the way were led by four white draft horses, matching the fairground outfits. One of the coachmen of the procession testifies:
“It’s a great event. We are happy to be able to participate. There is always a good atmosphere. Showmen are quite sensitive to the use of horses. »
Behind the carriages, an orchestra disguised as gardener gave the tempo.
–This procession continued around a aperitif and a breakfast cocktail. Bringing together devotees from all over, this festival seduces even the curious.
“It’s the first time I’ve been to this party. I find it very friendly and welcoming, much more than I thought. I am not religious but I enjoyed the gathering very much. »
Originally, the birth of Louis XIV
The origin of this festival dates back to 17th centuryat the birth of Louis XIV. Father Etienne Guillet reminds us:
“It was following a pilgrimage here to the oratory of Saint-Fiacre that Anne of Austria became pregnant by Louis XIV. Since then, many pilgrims have come and to welcome them, there was first a restaurant, a game for children. Then was born the place where we are: the Fête des Loges. »
A few years after the birth of the Sun King, in 1655, takes place the first procession by the parish priest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Since then, the City of Saint-Germain-en-Laye has continued to perpetuate this tribute.
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