12.05.2016
The 16th, 17th and 18th of May 2016, drums, fifes and blunderbusses are to resound the 458th Bravade of St. Tropez!
The legend of St. Torpes
Dignitary of the house of Nero beheaded after 68 AD for refusing to recant his Christian faith, his body was found May 17th in the year 68, in a boat that ran aground on the city shores. The bravado, religious and military party lasts for three days in May, expressing the attachment of Tropezians for Torpes, saint patron and protector of the city. For over a century, the city of Captains and their Tropezian militias assured the local defense of the city in opposing to many attacks.
”Saint-Tropez was up there for an half of a century a small fishmen village, with a glorious past and illustrious legends.”
According to tradition the name of the town captain was appointed on Easter Monday. Louis Mas, said Loulou, will fulfill that role entrusted to him unanimously by the City Council. The staff will include his son Jean-Louis Mas – Major and the sign Brown Caesar and Antony Reibaud his Major.
Thus, since 1558, every year, the town captain became head of bravado for three festival days out of time when the city is symbolically freed of the Republic. The body of bravado consists of: Provence inhabitants, civilian and military authorities and all Tropezians expressing their loyalty and faith in their Saint.
“Torpes heros of Bravado”
Bouquets are blessed, hymns praising Saint-Tropez are sung. The bust of Torpes proudly browse through the city in an uninterrupted ballet tromblonades, processions and masses, constituting the major highlights of this local festival. Three days of intense sacrament, to live to the rhythm of the explosions, powder odor and feel transported by a ceremony steeped in 500 years of history. A moment in life to marvel, love, loyalty and faith of an entire village in the Saint protector attached to his motto “Ad Usque Fidelis” faithful to the end.
Program of 458th Bravado of St. Tropez
on Monday, May 16th, 2016
8:00 a.m. – Place of the Town Hall: Plenty of artillery, followed the Aubade authorities serenades the city of Captains
11:00 a.m. – Cemetery: Laying a wreath at the war memorial by the City of Captains
14:30 p.m. – Square Town Hall: Meeting Corps Bravado
15:00 p.m. – Taking the pike and flag and blessing of weapons
from 15:30 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. – Small bravado
on Tuesday, May 17th, 2016
8:00 a.m. – Place of the Town hall: Meeting Corps Bravado
9:00 a.m. - Parish Church: Solemn Mass called “The Musketeers” followed by the procession through the city
16:00 p.m. – Great Bravado
at midnight – Place of the Town hall: Reissue of pique and flag
from 19:00 p.m. – Place Carnot: GRANDIOSE PUBLIC BALL.
on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016
8 a.m. – Place of the Town hall: Meeting Corps Bravade
9 a.m. – Chapel of Sainte-Anne: Thanksgiving Mass Action – Parade
11:15 a.m. – Hall of Jean Despas – Vermouth honor offered by the City captain to officials, local authorities and participants of Bravado.
Very many thanks for Nathalie Rocchia for such beautiful pictures.
