Les Fêtes de Bibi Beaurivage
I have been waiting all year for the Fête de Bibi. I've seen so many posters from past years and heard countless stories about the fun everyone has. This year, the Bibi Beaurivage Festival ran from April 27 to May 1, filled with traditional entertainment: guinguette, dances, tamborada, Mutxiko, garage sales, card tournaments, gastronomic competitions ... the whole neighborhood comes alive, celebrating together in the streets. We missed opening night, but were able to join in the fun from Sunday on.
Sunday, we went to the festival and found the streets in the Bibi closed to cars, with people scattered around enjoying the festivities. Little bars were set up on each corner, stalls were serving Talo, and various vendors were selling their goods. People were dancing and drinking in the streets, and the vibe was amazing. There was such a great community feel. A stage was set up for live music, and down by Etxola Bibi, there were bouncy houses for the little ones and a great tent for various events. The sun was shining, and it was so rad. Everyone was wearing the official bandana - so I bought one for each of us.
Tuesday, we had a visit with Deanna Cleary and Ruslan, and the day could not have been more beautiful. It was sunny and hot, with perfect waves at the Cotes. We had such a nice time. They stayed to pick up Charlie and walk home, and they waited for Luke to get back from school. Both boys were thrilled to see Mrs. Cleary. (They are taking a painting class in Pau this week). The funny thing was, once they drove away, a dark cloud rolled in, and it became cold and windy.
Sassoune wanted Gabe to enter the bacalou competition, but unfortunately, the timing didn’t work out with our late return from Italy the night before. However, Luis roped him into the tortilla competition. He came over in the morning, and the guys made the tortilla. Luis then hopped on his bike to enter it in the contest before they stopped accepting entries. We walked up to Bibi in the rain. There were people scattered around, but not that many since it was Wednesday and raining. Five tortillas were laid out on a table where judges were tasting each one, taking notes, and deliberating. We grabbed a beer and waited for the results.
Well, Gabe and Luis's tortilla did not win. The guy who did win earned a special beret that said something like "Tortilla Master" or "Winner of Tortilla Competition." People clapped, and then the tortillas were passed around for everyone to try. Gabe's tortilla was SO much better than the others, but I think the judges chose the traditional one over his, which was made with caramelized peppers and onions—Antonio style. We all agreed—their tortilla won in our eyes, even if it didn't officially. I can’t believe Gabe got the chance to enter a tortilla contest here in the Basque Country. So rad!
