Last refreshing day for the Nîmes feria with the traditional jousting tournament

Le but est simple : tenir debout. Celui qui tombe, perd. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Pendant près de deux heures dans les Jardins de la Fontaine, petits et grands se sont rassemblés pour assister au traditionnel tournoi de joutes avec la Jeune lance graulenne.

There will only be one left! This Monday, May 20, the Jardins de la Fontaine vibrated to the rhythm of aquatic jousting for the last day of the Pentecost feria. A sunny morning which attracted a large crowd, ready to witness a colorful spectacle.

"Come on blues !"

The jousting teams, dressed in red and blue, competed in skill and determination for nearly two hours. As soon as they arrived, with fanfare, the jousters of the Jeune lance graulenne captivated the attention of the Nîmes public, who did not want to miss a bit of the show. "There's no more room…" or "we can't see anything…", some spectators complained, a few minutes before the start of hostilities.

Lots of people this Monday morning to attend the jousting tournament. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

The festivities began with a duel between two young boys, followed by an exceptional clash between two girls, a rarity in the world of jousting. Each duel was accompanied by cries of encouragement from the public: « Allez les bleus!&nbsp ;» or « Forza les rouge ! », echoed behind the parapets of the Jardins de la Fontaine basin.

The clashes are harsh and the faces are marked. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Fierce clashes

On the water, the challenge is daunting: two boats, each propelled by eight to ten oarsmen, pass each other, while the jousters try to unhorse their adversary using a boat. ;nbsp;long lance of 2.80  m. Despite the palpable intensity, some clashes required several attempts. The notable duel of the morning pitted Anthony (red team) against Dorian (blue team). After several fierce exchanges, Dorian triumphed, the jury having awarded "an additional pass". This success will mark the beginning of his rise to final victory.

And victory goes to Dorian Chaumont and the blue team! Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

The semi-finals amplified the tension, each throw of the spear being decisive for the outcome of the competition. Around 12:30 p.m., the grand final crowned the efforts and mastery of the best jousters of the day. At the end of the suspense, the young Graulen Dorian Chaumont won the victory, becoming the undisputed champion of this 2024 edition of the Pentecost feria. Will he put his title back on the line next year??