Fat Cow Parade in Paris
Comically known as the “Promenade du Boeuf Gras” (Fat Cow Parade), this
annual cow parade, taking place on the 6th of March this year in Paris and
actually lead by none other than the Fat Cow herself, goes by many different
names including the Pantruche
Carnaval and the Saint-Fargeau. Either way, the event is celebrated on annual
basis in the French capital to revive an age-old tradition begun in 1274.
Thus,
Parisians will come out in force to participate in this cheerful procession,
and make their merry way from Place de la Gambette all the way through the streets of the
capital, accompanied by trumpeters and other musicians, to finally conclude at
the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) around 7pm. Expect people dressed up in a vast
array of costumes, and wildly decorated floats based around the carnival theme
for that year.
Prior to
the parade, a contest takes place and the “boucher de carême” or head chef is
chosen amongst the finest people in the profession by the best local chefs who
establish who has produced the biggest and fattest cow.
The Fat
Cow, adorned with flowers, is then triumphantly led though the streets of the
city by the boucher de carême with the trumpets playing so that everyone can
meet him and his marvellous cow.
Animal
lovers will be glad to know that the winning cow of the festival will never
face the abattoir and will always star in future editions of the event.
It
certainly promises to be an amoooosing festival, so we suggest you head down to
the Fat Cow Parade and join in the French festivities taking place this March
the 6th.
Practical
information:
Dates: Sunday the 6th
of March 2011
Time:
1.30pm – 7pm
Where:
Place Gambetta
Address: Place Gambetta, Paris, France
Nearest metro:
Gambetta
Cost: Free
Anna -
Marketing Team