“Saint Roch attracts thousands of visitors to Montpellier not only during the August 16 celebrations”

Boris Bellanger, adjoint en charge du patrimoine historique, évoque l'importance de la figure de saint Roch à Montpellier.. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Boris Bellanger, deputy in charge of the Centre district and the city's historical heritage, discusses the importance of the figure of Roch, celebrated this Friday, August 16. 

What does Saint Roch represent for the city of Montpellier ? 

Saint Roch represents the patron saint of Montpellier. He is an important emblematic figure known throughout the world. He is celebrated every August 16 in many cities. Montpellier shines through the figure of this historical character. 

When did he become the patron saint of the city ?

From the beginning of the 16th century, there are traces in the Petit Thalamus in Montpellier. It was gradually that he established himself as the patron saint of the city of Montpellier. Several buildings bear his name. The Saint-Roch church was built around 1860, the Nouveau Saint Roch train station in the 2000s. It is a figure that resonates in Montpellier through these names. 

What do you say to the complaints of the Free Thought Federation about the subsidy paid to the Saint-Roch international association of Montpellier ?

The City provides subsidies to associations to keep their associative object alive. This involves keeping the heritage figure of Roch alive through cultural festivities in the city of Montpellier. There is no reason to oppose the allocation of these subsidies. This is the cultural heritage of the city. Things are clearly separated between the religious aspect with celebrations of the Catholic faith on the one hand and the figure of Roch who is part of our history. The Saint Roch International Association is a cultural association. 

These festivities are always popular with many people in the streets ?

Montpellier, which is located on the road to Compostela, on the way to Arles, welcomes many pilgrims whether they are believers or not. There is also a lodging at the Saint-Roch church. The figure of Saint Roch attracts thousands of visitors not only during the August 16 celebrations. He inspires spiritual tourism throughout the year.

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