Français
It's probably a little too early to talk about the start of the new school year. Nevertheless, as is the case every year, the Saint-Barthélemy patron saint's day marks the first step towards the end of the summer vacations. Even if, at the same time, the twilight of August brings with it the closure of most of the island's tourist establishments. Be that as it may, this Saturday, August 24, the island's population is invited to take part in the many events organized by the Collectivité territoriale to celebrate its patron saint's day. Part of the event's theme is innovation.
While most of the usual events are on the program, such as mass at Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church at 8:30 a.m. and the official ceremonies at the Hôtel de l'Assomption in Paris, this year's festivities will feature a number of innovations.official ceremonies at the Hôtel de la Collectivité on the Pointe de Gustavia, there will be a few new features. One of which is sure to provoke a few reactions. At 8 p.m., a drone show will light up the sky above Saint-Jean beach. A resolutely modern and technologically advanced concept, with 500 drones deployed over the bay. Or how to make a mockery of fireworks in less than half an hour...
To ensure the smooth running of the event, a restricted zone has been defined over the Bay of Saint-Jean. From Thursday to Saturday, from 7 to 11 p.m., parking, sailing, anchoring, swimming and all other activities are prohibited within the safety perimeter, from the shore to the 300-meter limit.
Back to politics
In addition to the festivities, the fête patronale also marks the start of the new political year. The official ceremony at the Hôtel de la Collectivité will be punctuated by speeches by the main elected officials, namely the sénatrice Micheline Jacques, deputy Frantz Gumbs and, of course, President Xavier Lédée and the préfet délégué for the Northern Islands, Vincent Berton. All of this against a backdrop of governance that is only superficially peaceful. Dissensions between the three groups of elected representatives (Présidentiel, Action-Équilibre and Saint-Barth d'Abord) are just as lively as before the summer break. They will probably not be felt at the ceremony, but are likely to reappear in the weeks to come. Not least when the next territorial council meeting is held, the date of which has yet to be announced.
Awards
The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to publicly recognize four key players in local community and cultural life. On August 24, the préfet délégué will award the Médaille d'Honneur de l'Engagement Ultramarin to Christine Moizan (silver level, President of the Saint-Barth branch of the Croix Rouge), Arlette Magras (bronze level, Domaine Félicité), and the French Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and the Sea (silver level, President of the Saint-Barth branch of the Croix Rouge).chelon bronze, Domaine Félicité), Corinne Hennequin (bronze, association Saint-B'Art, president of the Music Festival) and Christian Hardelay (bronze, association Saint-B'Art, president of the Festival Livre et Jazz). Three women and one man who have each been working for the common good for many years in Saint-Barthélemy.
The Patronal Festival program
- Sailors' mass - Gustavia
- 8:30 am - Notre Dame de l'Assomption church
Mass followed by procession.
- Ceremony and reception
- 10:30 am - Hôtel de la Collectivité
Wreath-laying, speeches and medal presentations.
- A day of sports
- Several tournaments will be held on the Plaine de Saint-Jean throughout the day.
- 9 a.m.: archery.
- 1 p.m.: Saint-Barth Echecs.
- 3.30pm: table tennis and table soccer.
- 4.30pm: beach tennis.
- 5 p.m.: pétanque with the amicale
des boulistes.
- A festive afternoon
- From 3 p.m.
Stade de Saint-Jean
Sports tournaments, giant inflatable games for children, face-painting, entertainment, traditional show, vin d'honneur (5:30pm), refreshments. And don't forget a treasure hunt, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., departing from the Saint-Jean stadium (free on-site registration for children aged 5 to 12, with one adult per group).
- Saint-Jean evening: drone show and concerts
- 8 p.m. - Plage de Saint-Jean (airport)
500-drone show: "Savaku, l'esprit de Saint-Barthélemy. "
- From 8.30pm - Parking du stade
Concerts: Obsession Band, Plateau Soca and NIB.
