The Village Fête - the Pomme d'Or

Here you see the Golden Apple. But first - on the left - meet the Committee of the Association for Festivals and Animations in Gorbio - responsible for organising the Fête Patronale de Saint Barthélemy. You can see the two chickens held aloft which are the offering to the curé - and note the man in the pale blue suit - he's holding the Pomme d'or.

The tradition of the Golden Apple goes back to Medieval times when the nobles made an offering to the church. The crucifix, which you saw entering the church the other day, and the sword represent the two social orders.

I didn't photograph the ceremony itself or follow the procession through the little streets of the village. There is much we have missed - next year, I promise.

Tomorrow - on to other joys of the Village Fête - how about a game of boules?