This Saturday, February 3, return to Hogwarts for the 10th Harry Potter Book Night in Montpellier

Harry Potter: seven books translated into 80 languages, selling more than 500 million copies in more than 140 countries. Shayna Douglas on Unsplash

This Saturday, February 3, 2024 marks the 10th Harry Potter Book Night. An event in which two bookstores in the Montpellier region are participating: "l'Ourse Bleue" in Saint-Gély-du-Fesc and "Press Book Corner", in Castelnau-le-Lez.

Françoise Callamand, the manager of "Press Book Corner" had no idea that the event would bring together so many followers. And fortunately his collaborator, Aurélie Pozzo di Borgo, a big Harry Potter fan, pushed him to play the game.

"We didn't expect that"

If at the start they had only planned a "small soft animation", the two women quickly realized the scale of the event upon receiving instructions from Gallimard last November. And even more so when the first registration emails arrived: "As soon as we advertised it on Facebook, we received dozens of emails and comments. rsquo;calls from people wanting to register. In total around forty registered plus accompanying people and we are still only at the beginning. We didn't expect that."

Aurélie Pozzo di Borgo and Françoise Callamand from "Press Book Corner" are ready for the 10th Harry Potter Book Night. DR

For around twenty years, the magical world of the bespectacled wizard has continued to fascinate. October 9, 1998 "Harry Potter at the beginning ;wizard school" was published in France. Since then, the seven books have been translated into 80 languages ​​and have sold more than 500 million copies in more than 140 countries.

"I really wanted to mark the occasion"

A success shared with its film adaptations from the early 2000s. Sofian is a big fan. Registered since December for the Night of Books, this 31-year-old postman from Montpellier has known Harry Potter since he was very young: "I never believed in magic though when I watched the films, it made me dream and escape. I spent hours reading the books. I will never stop being passionate about the enchantment and fantasy of this world".

Like Françoise, who gradually got involved in organizing the event: "Finally by studying the file sent by Gallimard, I really wanted to mark the occasion. I ordered lots of accessories and decorations like house flags, cakes bearing the likeness of the characters or supposed to represent magical objects. A big quiz will also be organized between the participants".

A visit to the Harry Potter studios

And the decoration is important for this day because it can allow 20 bookstores, out of the 300 participants, to be selected for the grand final in Paris, on June 15 with their two winners of the quiz. The result is a trip to London for two people to the Harry Potter studios. Florence hopes to be selected.

In the same way as Arnaud, a 24-year-old graphic designer from Castelnau. His dream is to visit the famous studios. As a child, his favorite game was to practice casting his "patronus" with a stick as a magic wand:"When I saw the first film, I completely bought into the universe of the saga. What I like is the bestiary. Werewolves, Hypogryffes, unicorns, all of this crossed with the very realistic universe of "Muggles" it’s great. This is the best fantasy saga ever made for me because it is multi-generational and deals with real fundamental issues."

This Saturday from 4 p.m., a barnum representing Hogwarts Castle will welcome young and old to participate in all kinds of activities around the theme of "places magical" from the saga: big quiz, potions workshop, photos, magical snack, coloring… To come, take "lane 9 3/4" towards  467 Rue de la Roqueturière in Montpellier.

An expert explains why the fantasy saga released 27 years ago continues to appeal

Psychologist and psychotherapist in Montpellier Julie Scouppe explains why the wizard with glasses continues to appeal to young and old alike.

"It is true that for more than 20 years, the Harry Potter saga has enjoyed resounding success. If books and films continue to appeal to young and old, it is precisely because they allow us to retain a part of the magic. We have all been sensitive at some point to questions surrounding magic and fantasy worlds. There is a fascinating side to that. I think that Harry Potter especially allows adults to retain their childish soul.

For the most part, the work evokes a feeling of nostalgia. Precisely because it brings back childhood memories, a simpler time when we had fewer responsibilities. Harry Potter offers an unlimited world where anything is possible. And in the somewhat dull and monotonous daily life of an adult, sometimes, Harry Potter becomes a real escape tool.

What's interesting is that the story affects each person differently, yet we can all relate to it. Because under the guise of "fantasy", "that does not exist", we can still convey messages and ideas through the work. important emotions that concern everyone. Like relationships with others, reaction to adversity, courage, fear…

Who hasn't already dreamed of having powers, of being invisible on a broom or possessing a magic wand ? Project yourself into a fictional character and follow his adventures make this childhood feeling concrete."

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