La Fête du Village

La fête du village is an age old tradition in France, as the amusing old photograph below can attest. Neighbors & friends from small towns have been joining one another for a night of dining together under the stars for centuries.


When I first arrived here in the French countryside, our village had wonderful lively fêtes with games & music & wining & dining. But at some point during the twenty some odd years I have been here, the fête seemed to lose favor.


In the past several summers, however, the happy village tradition has been revived.


It is a simple affair, with everyone pitching in to help. There is a fire for barbecuing, & many salads with lovely farm fresh ingredients.


But unlike an American barbecue, everything is served in courses as is the French costume. Starting with the apéritif, followed by a first course, the main course, then a cheese course, which is always served after the meal, & finally desert & coffee.


There is of course plenty of wine & crusty baguettes for every table.


The party goes on into the night with music & dancing. it is a multigenerational gathering of neighbors & friends enjoying a summer evening of festivity & community.