Shared Illusions

During our travels, we are occasionally surprised by chancing upon a novel festival that is unique to the area we visit.  In Portugal, we celebrated with the residents of Viana do Castelo the 750th anniversary of the city’s founding.  In Argentina, we happened on the 50th annual Fiesta del Queso.  We wondered how much you can really celebrate cheese and had a wonderful time with rodeos, parades, meat, beer, and music.   We hardly even saw any cheese.

Due to our rescheduled flight, we had an extra day tracked on to the front of our brief visit to Paris.   That day actually was concurrent with what was once known as VE Day in the US and by other various names among our former WWII allies .  This year marked 80 years since the German capitulation.  It is such a significant milestone that even the Germans are celebrating.   It was so significant that many ancillary events were scheduled,  one of which is a small but popular festival regarding a cultural element for which the French are renowned.

I would like to report that the Fete de Cognac et Armagnoc was a grand time.  Unfortunately, such an event did not occur,  though I believe there is much demand for it.   No,  the festival we encountered was the Fete de Pain, not the kind of pain we would have had following a long day of sampling Cognac, but bread.  

Once again, we questioned just how much enthusiasm could be mustered over bread,  and though I can not admit to being enthused,  it was somewhat interesting during the brief period we attended.

There were competitive events involving masters of the varying styles of bread and pastries.  There were displays and sampling of bread from around the world.   There were educational exhibits on preparation of grains,  flours, doughs,  etc.

Here are a few photos of the event.