Sunday morning 4am.
Les Gilles wake up to get dressed. Costume is voluntary kept simple & equal for everyone, all wearing a night cap & walk around on clogs.
Around 5am they gather together accompanied by a musician, have breakfast and welcome a bottle of champagne.
Quietly they wake up the city.
From 11 o’clock all different guilds start their parade on the ‘Grand Plaçe” During this event Les Gilles hand over -a more popular way is trowing- the audience a gift, oranges.
I was fortunate, having witnessed the spectacle from close by.
It’s not just a fancy dress parade but an honor to be a Gille.
It’s a way of life!
