Falconry, a living human heritage Born as a method of obtaining food, the practice of falconry has evolved over time, expressing links with the preservation of nature, cultural heritage and the contact among communities. Following their own traditions and ethical principles, falconers train and feed birds of prey by developing a strong bond with them. […]
The Martinique yole The round “yole”, used exclusively on the Martinique Island, a French overseas territory, is a specific boat made of massive wood. Mostly present in cities of the Atlantic Coast, the yole is a light and quick vessel with one or two sails. Sailors who ride them need to be flexible, strong and […]
Celestinian forgiveness celebration On 28 and 29 August of each year in L’Aquila, Italy, people renew the solemn rite of Forgiveness (“Perdonanza”). That is, the perpetual plenary indulgence that Pope Celestine V granted to all the faithful of Christ. On the very evening of his coronation as pontiff. The Celestinian forgiveness celebration. Before ascending to […]
Equitation in the French tradition is the art of riding horses with a set of specific rules. The main one is about the relationship between the rider and the animal. An harmonious bond which excludes both physical and psychological constraints. The rider, therefore, is expected to have an extensive knowledge on all aspects of horses. […]
Summer solstice fire festivals in the Pyrenees On the same night every year, when the sun’s at its summer zenith, “Summer solstice fire festivals” take place all around the Pyrenees mountain range. With the particularity of officiating as both a political and physical border between France and Spain. The Pyrenees also act as a common […]
Traditional agricultural practice of cultivating the ‘vite ad alberello’ (head-trained bush vines) of the community of Pantelleria Introduced by the Phoenicians, the head-trained bush vines of Pantelleria (“vite ad alberello”) is a type of grape cultivation. Perfected and handed down over the centuries thanks to the wisdom and dedication of the farmers of Pantelleria. Capable […]
The Carnival of Granville Taking place in a little coastal city in Normandy, the Carnival of Granville is one of the biggest of its kind in France. Its annual celebrations last five days in February or March. Depending on the Christian calendar of the year. Since Fat Tuesday marks the last day of Carnival. Through […]
Celebrations of big shoulder-borne processional structures The celebrations of big shoulder-borne processional structures originate at the end of the sixteenth century. When, in the geographical area of central Europe, religious feasts were born. In which the people wanted to get closer and closer to God. And, in this sense, were built machines carried on the […]