Final of the Abrivado competition in Nîmes: “the objective is to organize a bullfighting event capable of competing with the crowds of a feria weekend”

Pour Franck Proust, président de Nîmes Métropole : “Cette grande finale est un temps fort pour les traditions de Nîmes”. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Dans le cadre du festival Traditions & Afición de Nîmes, le 12 octobre prochain, sept manades s’affronteront sur le boulevard Victor-Hugo à l’occasion de la grande finale du concours d’abrivado.

The heart of Nîmes is preparing to beat to the sound of hooves and cheers for the grand finale of the abrivado competition, the highlight of the Traditions & Afición festival, an art of living which takes place on the weekend of October 12 and 13. This traveling festival, which has been setting the various towns of the metropolis alight since April, is making a final stop in Nîmes for two days of bullfighting festivities, completely free and open to all.

Who will succeed the Briaux manade ?

"An event like this takes preparation!"said Franck Proust, President of Nîmes Métropole, while emphasizing the long-term work needed to make this final a memorable event. Because here, everything is thought out down to the smallest detail: from giant screens to follow the races in real time, to the involvement of the 23 municipalities that have put their hands to the task to ensure that this final lives up to expectations. “It's a high point for the traditions of Nîmes, and it was a choice to integrate it into the weekend of October 12 and 13”, he added during a press briefing organized this Wednesday, September 25 in the back room of the Victor Hugo bar.

This festival is also an abrivado competition, one of the most prestigious of its kind! The competing herds are hand-picked: over the seven previous stages, each has put its dexterity and speed to the test. On Saturday, October 12, they will compete for honor and glory, with the Briaux herd, the reigning champion, at the top of the bill. “Who says final, says several stages beforehand. These are the best manades that will meet in three weeks", explains Gaël Dupret, community representative in charge of traditions. Among them are the manades Martini, Lebron, Briaux, la Lauze, du Juge, du Levant, Devaux and Arlatenco. All ready to fight.

Like a touch of the Champs-Élysées

“Meeting up on Boulevard Victor Hugo for a manade is a bit like being on the Champs-Élysées”, jokes Frédéric Pastor, assistant to the Festivities. Spectators will be able to follow, from any point along the route, each lurch of the horses and bulls. With races in the arenas starting on Saturday afternoon, the stated objective is clear: “organize a large-scale bullfighting weekend that will compete with the crowds of a feria weekend”.

The event not only delights aficionados, it also benefits downtown merchants, delighted by the entertainment it generates. “The feedback is very positive”, says Valentine Wolber, deputy delegate for businesses, commercial events and the revitalization of the city center. “All that's missing is to order the weather”, concludes Franck Proust.

Program for the weekend of October 12 and 13

Saturday, October 12: 9:30 a.m., escort of horses and chariots towards the Esplanade and Boulevard Victor Hugo; 12 p.m., start of the final; 1:45 p.m., trophy presentation; 3 p.m., racing bulls in the Laurent herd; 4:30 p.m., reopening of the boulevards circulation.

Sunday October 13: 10:30 a.m., the 2024 Biou d'or election e; the Pablo Romero bodega; 15:30, final of the Aces trophy in the arenas.