Carnival actually dates back to the ancient Greek spring festival in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine. It was a massive binge – a celebration of excess, and later the church, unable to suppress it, wisely adapted it instead to its own traditions.
A little reminder that if you enjoy a stop-over in Paris on the drive down to the P-O, make sure you have your Crit’Air air quality sticker unless you want to risk a fine.
Mushrooms were such a hit with the pharaohs that common people were banned from touching or eating them.
Traditional Calçotadas take place In February and March. Down as many of these tasty onions as your tummy will allow, dipped in sauces and usually served up with BBQ, live music, sardanes……
Can you find the English equivalent of these French expressions which all use the verb ‘prendre’?
There are not many disadvantages to living in the Pyrénées-Orientales but the heavy winds that sometimes batter the region are worth knowing about. Three regional winds are the Tramontane, the Marin and the Sirocco.
The Saint -Laurent bearfest is based around age old traditions.
Several infamous lady poisoners were chained up in the ’prison des dames’ of the chateau Fort Liberia.
Walking the GR10 Trail in the French Pyrenees with Patrick O’Connell
Jane Mann describes her visit to the olive and bean festivals in southern Catalonia…..