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 Photo - 41 Ko  Photo - 38 Ko |
Quimper, putting its traditions in the streets.
Tonight the town is alive. Far from the celebrations petering out, Quimper has opened its medieval streets for the 'Night of the old districts' to take a look at the traditional crafts which are on show in the center of town. From one road to another, or in the school yard, surprised groups of people often discover for the first time the practices of times past already buried or in the process of disappearing. For a long time, corn has not known such a flailing as that given by eight countrymen, beating in time as though to music. The iron does not have much to envy, flattening itself under the raining blows of the ironmonger`s hammer. Further on, leaning over a ceremonial jacket making cross-stitches, an embroiderer makes it a point of honor to explain what she is doing. The spinners and lumberjacks are simply too absorbed in their tasks to take their eyes off what they are doing. Without doubt their minds are elsewhere: saturday and sunday are the grand finale of the festival and maybe they are already there. |
 Photo - 47 Ko  Photo - 45 Ko |
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When the Bretons see red.
In Anglo-breton, Red Cardell means "red manure". The group of three friends, two from Quimper and the other from Brest, play freely, combining their traditional aspects with those of rock. They also combine traditional instruments such as the accordean, the bombarde or the irish flute with solid breton melodies. The energy is not only in their music, but also in their lyrics. Jean-Pierre, Jean-Michel and Ian strongly represent the fight against nationalism, fundamentalism and intolerance, denouncing the irresponsability of those who just stand and watch the problems facing today`s society. Dan Ar Braz, one of the pioneers of traditional breton music was certainly not wrong in inviting the group to share the stage with him. With Red Cardell, the next generation is assured. |
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 Photo - 55 Ko |
Tradition occasionally shows no mercy and when it comes from the West Indies, as with the group Planet Zouk, it is impossible to resist its charms. If however the need arises, a 'ti punch' will soon banish all inhibitions. The one, one-two, one , zouk beats are so close to the natural walking rhythm that it is enough to let the soft music take hold of your body. A Zimbabwe proverb states simply : "If you know how to speak, you know how to sing; if you know how to walk, you know how to dance". One can even close ones eyes for as long as possible to prolong the softness. With Planet Zouk, its the West Indians` pleasure. |
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The parade of yesteryear
Birth, life, marriage and death. Similarly in Brittany, as with many other regions, there is a costume to represent each stage in life. The Cornouaille festival hopes to honor this clothing tradition with a presentation of costumes from times past in the form of a modern day fashion parade. Today, Nicholas the two Thomases, Julie, Geraldine and Christelle from the Kerfunten celtic circle are wearing the Quimperian costumes from the XIX century. Even the youngest of the group, Nicholas aged five is aware of the traditions which he carrys on his shoulders. Whilst waiting for the march to get underway, everybody parades around Quimper`s medieval alleys which seem purpose built for them. And when the time comes on the rostrum, they will be wearing the full splendor of the past in all its glory. |
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