FR25 TD Carnival

Teachers from all countries of the partnership has decided to take part in an amazing local tradition. Every year for hundreds of years the people of Dunkerque have recalled the sacrifices of their local fishermen with a carnival. They participated at it which normally takes part from January to March as one of the maddest events in France – the Carnaval de Dunkerque.

The origins of the Dunkirk Carnival date back to the beginning of the 17th century. The ship owners offered the fishermen, before leaving for six months of herring fishing in Iceland, a meal and a party. From this festival the “Visschersbende” (band of fishermen in Flemish) was born. It originally took place between Shrove Monday and Ash Wednesday marking the start of Lent, what we call the 3 joyous ones. Teachers participating in the Erasmus group mobility were introduced to the different facets of this carnival. They were thus able to participate on Saturday in a “chapel” and a ball, then, on Sunday, in the parad on the beach as well as in the Dunkirk ‘bande’. The “codes” were transmitted to them (songs, disguises, history of the carnival) by lycee Jean Bart’s teachers. They loved to party and to celebrate their heritage. It was a perfect occasion to take part in the processions with bands playing in the town and in the big arena « Kursaal ».

The experience becomes a scene of mayhem and fun (all have to wear a festival costume and make up with face painting).
Everybody known about the rules and the origin of that moment of joy for the city (Celebration of fishermen to catch cod in Icelandic waters). Over these moments revellers take over the streets dressed in outrageous costumes and carrying coloured umbrellas on long handles. The musicians dressed in yellow sou’westers and commanded by a drum-major, parade through the streets or on a stage in the arena playing music and singing traditional songs such as Cantata Jean Bart. We were expected to join in singing and dancing and making as much noise as possible when we like the songs – the whole place has an atmosphere of excitement, spontaneity and chaos. It was a bizarre, noisy, boisterous, fun and colourful event but so great for teambuilding! The Rigodon – the final jig, a dance and song in honour of Dunkerque’s naval hero Jean Bart conclude that activity!

This great moment of conviviality was perfect to end this week of group mobility where sharing, self-discovery and group cohesion were the common thread. The foreign teachers quickly assimilated the particularities of this carnival and were able to quickly integrate into this local event with many activities during the week about this tradition. They were thus able to mingle with tens of thousands of Dunkirk “carnival-goers” and sang with them. It was also an opportunity to discuss the festivities of each country, in particular the carnival in Slovakia or Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland. Everyone was delighted with this festive moment which made it possible to strengthen the bonds forged throughout this week. The chapelle was particularyappreciated to meet local people, french fishermen and surprising to open home to unknown EU colleagues