Français
The president of Ajoe, Cécile Coudreau, announces it with fervor: "This edition of the Fête des quartiers du Vent is being organized with extraordinary motivation! "The festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, in Lorient. One year on from Ajoe's 50th anniversary, the president can't say enough in praise of the involvement of the association's members. She particularly highlights the commitment of vice-president Claudie Fouineau. "Organizing a festival like this is no easy task," insists Cécile Coudreau. The event may "only" be held over two days, but it will be no less intense. With traditional, sporting, entertaining and culinary activities, the program is extremely comprehensive. During the day, but also in the evening and... in the early morning with the Cross du Vent, on Sunday from 5.45am. This is followed by a Creole ball featuring two musical groups (New Creation and Rémo and friends). "We're a young, dynamic team," says Cécile with a wink. This year, the winner of the cross-country race will win a round-trip plane ticket to Pointe-à-Pitre donated by Saint-Barth Executive. As for the winner of the lottery, he or she will win a 2,500-euro trip to the ATA agency. "Everyone's been super nice to help us do all this," admits the president of Ajoe, who hopes to see new arrivals on the island mingle with locals for the party. "So that everyone can immerse themselves in local life," Cécile insists. Which is what the Fête des quartiers du Vent is all about.
Program
On Saturday, October 18, on the Ajoe plateau, the party gets underway at 8 a.m. with registration for the table soccer (doubles), ping-pong and palet vendéen (doubles) tournaments. Competitions start at 9 a.m.
At 1 p.m., belote fans will be able to register for the "Jean-René Laplace" tournament, while the names of the kings of the joystick will be recorded for a Fifa tournament. Both events start at 2pm.
Also on Saturday on the Ajoe plateau, the public will be invited to take part in a "bal kréol" and a "mangé local" hosted by "New Creation" and "Rémo and friends". On the menu: chicken soup, galettes, cabri colombo, chicken stew and Creole rice.
The following day, Sunday, at dawn, participants in the traditional walk around the wind will be welcomed on the Ajoe plateau. Brave men and women will set off at 5.45 am. Fifteen minutes later (at 6 a.m.), runners will take to the road for the equally traditional "Nanou Brin" cross-country race. The route is set to remain unchanged: departure from Plateau de Lorient towards Grand Fond, Toiny, Vitet (the Marigot road is still closed) and back to Lorient. Registration will take place on the Ajoe plateau on Friday October 17 from 5:30 to 7pm, and on Saturday October 18 from 9am to 5pm. Runners must present a sports license or medical certificate. Further information at 0690640609.
At 8:30 am, the long strides will give way to prayers for mass in Lorient church, followed by a procession and blessing of the sea.
At 9 a.m., registration for the beach volleyball tournament and surfing competition will precede the start of competition at 10 a.m.
At noon, a vin d'honneur will be offered by the Collectivité territoriale, to the rhythms distilled by steels pans. Games and entertainment will be organized throughout the afternoon on Lorient beach, including a paddle race. A refreshment stand and catering facilities will be open to visitors. They will be invited to welcome the arrival of participants in the "Mémorial Pinpin" fishing competition.
Finally, at 5:30 p.m. on the beach, Ajoe will draw lots for the Fête des Quartiers du Vent lottery.
