Celebrating Volo Biòu also means bringing to life “the identity of the city” of Saint-Ambroix

Des bénévoles habillent l’un des acteurs d’une armure de chevalier. MIDI LIBRE – Alexis BETHUNE

Ce vendredi 12, samedi 13 et dimanche 14 juillet, la ville médiévale proche d’Alès, se métamorphose. Spectacles, jeux pour enfants et restauration locale animent les rues, du matin au soir.

Over the course of a weekend, the streets of Saint-Ambroix were transformed. Time for the Volo Biòu celebrations. The inhabitants of the medieval village have swapped their jeans for breeches, the women are dressed in leggings, while the "gueux", faces painted black and dressed in rags, wander the streets beating their drums.

The public willingly lent themselves to the actors' game. MIDI LIBRE – ALEXIS BETHUNE

In the heart of the city, local artisans have set up their stands selling clothes, handmade jewelry, magical plants and herbs. Others cook grilled food and sell the famous Cévennes onion fritters, the smell of which hangs in the streets. Brass bands play antique instruments, acrobats accompany the troops by practicing circus and street arts.
To the delight of the youngest, many of whom come in disguise, entertainment stands invade the streets.

There was no shortage of entertainment for children. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

Shows to introduce children to legends

Whether it is to make your own medieval medal, learn archery, ride camels, or simply listen to the legends of the Middle Ages told, the initiatives are varied, so that the youngest of the Cévennes generations are made aware of the legend of Volo Biòu.

There was no shortage of entertainment for children. MIDI LIBRE – Alexis BETHUNE

It was through this traditional festival that Damien Louche, now president of the association “The Legend of Volo Biòu”, appropriated the story. Under his command, a troupe of 80 volunteers, three times a day, throughout the weekend, endeavors to tell, through theatrical strolls and sketches, to act out the birth of this story. “This show is more of a reconstruction of this legend, which dates back to the time of the Consuls. It is the identity of the city, explains Damien Louche. The goal is to bring this story to life by telling it to children, so that they grow up with it, like us."

Marching bands also enlivened the streets. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

So, little by little, the disguised troupe takes to the streets, interacting with the public, who join in the fun by singing and dancing. Until joining the (false) golden and winged ox, which is waiting to be carried on the occasion of its procession. Homage to the real beast, thrown from the Ranc d’Uzès in the 11th century.

The “acrobats” accompanied the musicians. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

If this staging had only been a vast masquerade to distract the revelers from the taste of moldy wine, the spirit of the celebrations continues indeed.

Stagings were held almost everywhere in the medieval streets. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

And this, until the end of the night, with musical celebrations, and a vast program, again, this Sunday, July 14.