Sunday morning woke to rather cool temperatures. The weather had been much milder over the past week or so, with sunny days mild to warm days and cool nights. Today was a day for long-sleeves.
The event today was a performance of musique et danses traditionnelle Alsacienne at the Place Guttenberg, just around the corner from the Cathedral. We arrived a little early for the morning’s performance, but a crowd was already building.
The band began playing polkas, waltzes, and marches before the dancers appeared. Jeannie was able to grab a seat, while I roamed about making photographs.
The dancers appeared, and I was going to work my way to the stage when I noticed a procession making its way through the street behind us. At first I thought that it might be other performers involved with the dancing, but as I moved closer I realised that it was something else entirely.
The procession was of Les Confréries Viniques d’Alsace or The Brotherhoods of Alsatian Wines. Organizations of wine producers from all over Alsace who were meeting in Strasbourg, and this morning were heading to the Cathedral for their annual mass.
Dressed in colorful robes and hats and wearing medallions, some were carrying banners identifying their regional affiliation. There were four men also carrying a large wooden statue of Saint Urbain, patron saint of winegrowers and winemakers. The procession paused briefly before entering the main doors of the Cathedral, and I made my way back to the dancing and oompah.
The dancers were in traditional, colorful costumes, and were very entertaining, though the sun was beginning to get rather warm. So we decided to look for a place for lunch after their second costume change, but it was in all, planning and serendipity made for a very delightful morning.
Cathi Curry
29 Jul 2015How wonderful was this?!!!!
Alice Mathias
28 Jul 2015Thanks again for sharing!
Neona Daugherty
28 Jul 2015What a wonderful and surprising adventure!! So many people are envious of your travels and pictures. Enjoy every day!
Still Chilly
27 Jul 2015Simply beautiful!
Linda
27 Jul 2015How festive. Love the costumes. How interesting that the wine makers also have costumes and attend Mass. Will have to thank St. Urbain for wine.
Evy Snyder
27 Jul 2015Wonderful morning! I especially like the reflection in the Tuba, and of course St. Urbain!
Now I know whom to toast!
Chris
3 Aug 2015Did’ja notice there was a selfie there?