A mixture of popular celebrations and religion, this pious tradition which will continue today is one of the most charming and picturesque which is celebrated each year with a new fervor and a very particular brilliance.

The Conservative Committee of Nice Traditions which Mr. Gaglio, municipal councilor, chairs with great dedication, assisted by MM. Emile Palmero, Auguste Viret vice-presidents; Ménica Rondelly, general secretary, had organized a magnificent program as complete as it was attractive which greatly contributed to giving this local festival its maximum brilliance.

Also during the days of March 23, 24 and 25 we can say, without being accused of exaggeration, that all of Nice paraded in front of the stalls of the sellers of "cougourdons", "nougat", "ciaudeu", "begnetta » or “tourta de blea”.

Throughout the duration of the “Festin des Cougourdons” the old square of the monastery was vibrantly animated. What could be more natural? Isn't the "Festin des Cougourdons" the spring festival, celebrated at the moment when nature seems to wake up from its long winter sleep, when everything in the countryside is covered with flowers, where the trees swollen with sap parent of tender green foliage, where birds chirp in the thick bushes?

Isn't the "Festin des Cougourdons" still the celebration of the graceful midinettes of Nice who, according to tradition, climb in large numbers on these days along the flowered paths, towards the monastery square: after the visit to the church spread cheerfully around the stalls installed on the square, whose varied and multicolored displays are of the most curious effect.

Among all these pretty workers who crowd in front of the sellers of long or short cougourdons, painted or worked with a chisel, large or small, of graceful or bizarre shapes, we hear only laughter and joyful talk.

The pilgrimage of the midinettes is followed by the pilgrimage of the brotherhoods; Religious services and popular celebrations alternate during the Festin des Cougourdons, thus giving this tradition a character that is by turns pious and secular, serious and amusing, which gives it all its charm.

Given the success achieved, the “Festin des Cougourdons” which was to end last Tuesday, will continue today in the sumptuous and heavenly setting presented at every step by the ancient Roman hill of Cimiez, all green and fragrant.

There is no doubt that this last day will be a great success and that a crowd of walkers will still come to parade in front of the stalls today. Everyone will want to have their souvenir, their “cougourdon”, some of which are real works of art, recalling our countryside or some picturesque corners of the city, or simply caricaturing some local legends. J. OLIVARI.