VIDEO. “It’s our elders who we think of”: on the Etang de Thau, the moving tribute to the missing of Pointe Courte

Laurie Laux lays the wreath on the Thau lagoon. Midi Libre – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Midi Libre – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Midi Libre – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

This Sunday morning, on the occasion of the 69th Pointe Courte festival, the neighborhood's residents paid tribute to the elders by laying a wreath on the Thau lagoon.

The light Sète drizzle did not call into question tradition on Sunday morning in La Pointe Courte. On the occasion of the 69th edition of the fishing neighborhood festival, the Pointus celebrated their little corner of paradise together. In joy. In good humor.

From 10:30 a.m., the Bella Ciao pena brings the aubade to life in the small streets of the neighborhood. Oboe and drums give it their all. As is customary, each member of the procession, small or large, is dressed in white from head to toe, with the red cockade of La Pointe on their hearts. Reminding us that it is good during the Pointe Courte festival that we authentically find the soul of the neighborhood.

This great moment of celebration preceded another important moment. That of the boat trip off the Thau lagoon, in order to pay tribute to the Pointus who have passed away, whether they were sailors or not. On the shuttle chartered for this symbolic meeting, Bella Ciao continues to play at the center of the Pointus on board, young and old. Eyes meet. Gestures of affection are made naturally. Families take photos, under the benevolent gaze of a few elders.

“It is a time of reunion between generations, when we think of our elders”

Once out to sea, calm falls.”The sheaf is blessed by the priest Razafimahatratra, from the parish of Sète, who recalls the symbolism of this “unifying moment”. “The sea gives life, it also takes it”, he then emphasizes, before handing the sheaf to the president of the Pointe Courte neighborhood committee, Laurie Laux. When it is time to put it in the water, some throats tighten. Eyes redden. Tears flow. The Pointus gather in tribute to those who have reached their final resting place.

Father Razafimahatratra blessed the sheaf before it was placed in the water. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

"It’is a moment of reunion between generations, where we think of our elders, explains the president, whose grandfather had created the festival committee. It’s the soul of the neighborhood that endures, and it’s a highlight for everyone. Everyone here has lost a grandma or grandpa. So, there is emotion. We remember memories as a family. But above all we are happy to be all together."

La Pointe Courte celebrated the 69th neighborhood festival this Sunday. Free Midi – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU

On the way back, after greeting the local residents and observers on the bank, it's time for the honorary aperitif, then the opening of the funfair. This will be followed by the parade of jousters and the official junior tournament organized by the Pointe Courte jousters' association (Dylan Masclac challenge). The smiles have returned and eyes are already turned towards next year. La Pointe will then celebrate its 70th party.

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