In Menton, the Saint-Pierre Festival 2024

An unmissable event that kicks off the summer festivities, the Saint-Pierre Festival is the perfect occasion to revive traditions and start the season with enthusiasm!

Gradually falling into disuse during the 20th century, the Saint-Pierre Festival was revived in 2005. Since then, it has been celebrated with great solemnity and joy, officially marking the beginning of the summer season. The festivities conclude with the Saint-Michel Festival, the second patron saint, at the end of September.

Organized by the Municipality and various local associations, this festival represents an opportunity for the inhabitants of Menton to rediscover their roots related to the sea and fishing, honor those lost at sea, and offer tourists a glimpse of local history.

The Program

With the participation of the folk group “La Capeline”, La Musique de La Garde, and the choir Les Anciens de La Garde.

Saturday, July 6:

• 07:00: Youth fishing competition organized by the Club de Pêche Sportive de Menton (Site des Sablettes).
• From 10:00 to 17:00: Entertainment on Quai Eugénie by the Voile Latine Association: Nautical exhibitions, children’s workshops, boarding on traditional pointus boats.
• 11:00: Awards ceremony for the fishing competition.
• 17:55: Reception of civil and military authorities by members of the clergy.
• 18:00: Solemn Mass at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel.
• 19:30: Procession to the Monument to those lost at sea.
• 19:45: Blessing of the boats in the port. Monument to those lost at sea: wreath-laying ceremony with the participation of La Musique de La Garde and the folk group “La Capeline”.
• 20:15: Free tasting of fish soup prepared by the association “A Ciocoula”, served at the table*.
• From 21:00 to 23:00: Dance – Esplanade Francis Palméro.
• 23:00: Simulated fireworks display on boats – Plage du Fossan (to be confirmed).

For information: 04 83 93 70 20.

The Saints of the Sea

For centuries, Menton has had a special relationship with the sea, a source of wealth but also synonymous with danger. This connection has given rise to many religious practices related to Christianity and superstitions common among fishermen and sailors.

Before embarking on long voyages, sailors invoked the protection of Saint Elmo, also known as Saint Erasmus. His statue, on the facade of the chapel of the Pénitents Blancs, attests to this ancient fervor. On June 2, a boat is burned in his honor. This rite is also found in the cult of Saint Peter.

Simon and his brother Andrew were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee in Palestine. They were the first two disciples called by Christ, who renamed Simon as Peter. The life of this saint, crucial for the foundation of the Church, is shrouded in legend. Some of his attributes, such as the boat, the net, and the fish, are directly linked to the daily life of fishermen.