Saint Peter's Day

Gradually falling into disuse over the course of the 20th century, Saint Peter's Day was revived in 2005. Since then, it has been celebrated in a solemn and festive way, while launching the summer season. The festivities come to a close with the Saint-Michel festival, the second patron saint's day at the end of September. Organized by the town and several associations, it offers Mentonnais a chance to reconnect with the sea and fishing (their roots), pays tribute to those lost at sea, and allows tourists to discover a piece of local history. Program : With the participation of the folk group "La Mentonnaise", La Musique de La Garde and the "Anciens de La Garde" choir. - 9:30 am: The statue of Saint Pierre is brought out of the Basilica by former members of the Place du Cap on the Parvis. - 9:55am: Welcome of civil and military authorities by members of the clergy - 10:00 am: Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange Solemn mass celebrated by Father Régis PEILLON, Parish Priest NDR, Rector of the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Quai Eugénie entertainment by the Association Voile Latine: Nautical exhibits, boarding on traditional pointus boats... - 11:30am: Departure of the procession to the Monument des Péris en Mer - 11:45am: Monument des Péris en Mer: Wreath-laying ceremony with the participation of La Musique de La Garde, the folk group "La Mentonnaise" and with the elders of the Place du Cap - 12:00 pm: Departure of the procession towards the Vieux Port harbor master's office. Blessing of ships at sea - From the Vieux Port to the Port Public de Menton Garavan Aubade by the "La Mentonnaise" folk group - 12:30 pm: Aperitif offered by the Ville de Menton in front of the Capitainerie - 8:00 p.m.*: Opening to the public for free tasting of fish soup prepared by the association "A Ciocoula" association, which will be served at the table* - Esplanade Francis Palmero - 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm: Dance party - Esplanade Francis Palmero - 11:00 pm: Boat fireworks - Plage du Fossan (subject to prefectoral authorization) *Don't forget to bring your bowls/cutlery. Tables of 10 people maximum - Esplanade Francis Palmero - no reservations! For centuries, Menton has had a special relationship with the sea. A source of wealth but also synonymous with danger, the sea is the source of many religious practices linked to Christianity and superstitions common to fishermen and seafarers. Before embarking on long voyages, sailors invoked the protection of Saint Elme, also known as Saint Erasmus. His statue, on the façade of the Pénitents Blancs chapel, bears witness to this ancient fervor. A boat was burnt in his honor on June 2. This rite is also found in the cult of Saint Peter. Simon and his brother André were fishermen from Lake Génésareth in Palestine. They were the first two disciples called by Christ, who baptized Simon, Peter. The life of this saint, of great importance for the foundation of the Church, remains poorly known: legend plays a major role. Some of his attributes are directly linked to the daily life of fishermen, such as the boat, the net and the fish. Information: 04 83 93 70 20 - Les saints de la mer *Don't forget to bring your bowls/cutlery. Tables of 10 people maximum - Esplanade Francis Palmero - no reservations!