Remembrance Day in Catus

On a beautiful, sunny, autumn day a large crowd turned up in front of the war memorial in Catus to honour those who fell in the First World War and other wars since. Children from the local school sang La Marseillaise and other songs and a Ginko tree of peace was planted to commemorate the occasion. (Ginkgo has become a symbol of peace because some gingko trees survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima).

The mayor, aided by schoolchildren, planting the Ginko tree

Mi-Carême (mid Lent) festival

On Saturday the local school organised the Mi-Carême festival in Catus. Residents from the old peoples' home (EHPAD) were invited along to join in the festive occasion in the village hall. A procession around the village ended the occasion on a beautiful sunny day.

The Mi-Carême is widely celebrated in many parts of France, with the participants often dressed in a variety of festive costumes.

Christmas Fair in Catus

The Fair was held at the market hall (le halle) in Catus and attracted a large number of visitors of all ages. The stalls had a number of seasonal items on sale and there were games and a special train ride for the children. A great time had by all!!

Remembrance Day in Catus

On a beautiful, sunny, autumn day a larger crowd than usual turned up in front of the war monument in Catus to commemorate the centenary of the 1st World war on le jour de l'Armistice or le jour du Souvenir. Unlike in the UK, in France the day is a national holiday and the blue cornflower, Bluet de France, is used symbolically rather than the poppy.