Big crowds and big scares at the Abrivado des Grau-du-Roi beaches

Dix manades au menu de la 27e édition de l'Abrivado des plages du Grau-du-Roi. Midi Libre – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

Gathered on the beach, and not always behind the barriers, the spectators of the big opening event of the Camargue racing season were treated to great sensations, but also to a few scares.

Warm l'abrivado of the beaches of Grau-du-Roi, 27th of the name! The big demonstration featuring ten herds between Boucanet and Villa Parry attracted, as usual, a large crowd. Tens of thousands of spectators (last year 40,000 phones were “limited” along the length of the course) are gathered all along the two kilometers of the course without always being aware of the danger.

Great proximity between the spectators and the horses and bulls tumbling onto the beach. Free Midi – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

The firefighters intervene eleven times

And this Saturday's meeting was rather trying for the security forces and the emergency services. The firefighters intervened eleven times, including four times for people hit by animals. The four requiring evacuation to the Nîmes University Hospital. The first two, a man and a woman, were hit during the first passage of the Saint-Louis herd which opened the festivities. The man, aged 75, was seriously injured.

A bull escapes, he is quickly caught by the herdsmen but in the stampede, two ladies are knocked down. Free Midi – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

Bardella brought to safety

The last two victims were located rather far from the seaside where horses and bulls were rushing down, but the escape of a biou, galloping towards the coastal buildings probably surprised both ladies. Big concern in the ranks of the RN, one of them is the wife of Jean-Paul Garraud, European deputy and regional advisor. Jordan Bardella, on his way out but still present, was immediately sheltered by his security services…

Also read: At the Abrivado of the Grau-du-Roi beaches, Bardella and an anti-RN revolt from local elected officials

Tensile moment with two spectators knocked down and taken care of by emergency services. Free Midi – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

Just before the launch of the event, Robert Crauste, mayor of Grau-du-Roi, had just recalled the conflict between a spectator, injured in 2018, and the municipality. The complainant lost at first instance (but appealed), with the courts finding that she had been inattentive, thanks to images from video surveillance."This is an important element of jurisprudence because the municipalities make great security efforts, a vehicle passes back and forth broadcasting instructions in three languages, a barrier is installed, information panels on the danger posed everywhere…" 

The Abrivado of the beaches is the start of a season of traditions which promises to be very unifying. Free Midi – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

Beyond the catchers, whose perception of danger is entirely relative, the large crowd of Grau-du-Roi, made up of many people from the region, some of whom have brought camping tables, boxes of wine and charcuterie ( a sort of first lunch near the season, but at the beach) seemed to retain all its carefreeness.  

Seven races this season including an Authenticities Trophy

Vincent Ribeira, delegate of the Graulenne arenas for ten years, presented the season &agrav; come, in the presence of several raseteurs, including stars Ziko Katif and Joachim Cadenas. Seven races are on the menu, including a royal one from Saumade on June 23, with the Biou d&# 39;Gold 2023, Castella, and a brand new Piloted Authenticity Trophy by the Chamber of Notaries of Gard, in particular by the Nîmois Christian Chalvet but also J&rôme Fériaud, president and notary at Beaucaire. "We have notaries in all the small cantons, and often there are arenas there too! There are strong links between notaries and Camargue traditions, and I could talk about the Cuillé, Blatière, etc…"