83rd Fete des Guides
Last night was the big spectacle of the Fete des Guides at Les Gaillands, an annual celebration of local mountain guides, both past and present. Now in its 83rd year, the fete was originally created to provide financial assistance to injured or deceased guides and their families via a “caisse de secours” (emergency fund). Every year, hundreds of volunteers give their time and energy to organise the event with the Compagnie des Guides, in order to maximise the proceeds for the guides' emergency fund.
If the turn out last night was anything to go on, then the coffers should be looking pretty healthy this year, with barely an inch of space available in front of the climbing wall or in the car park. The weather was perfect and the evening began at 5pm with a variety of free activities specifically for children (monkey bridges, Tyroliennes, climbing etc) and then the show itself opened at 8pm with a reggae set from Natty Sauvage outside Le Vert Hotel.
The main event was a show put on by the local guides that actually took place on the climbing wall. This year it was the story of a father and son climbing in the surrounding mountains (set many years ago) and was complete with a miniature Aiguille du Midi cable car and mountain refuge built halfway up the rock face. Quite funny at times, the show was accompanied by spectacular lighting and effects, and film images of mountaineering and skiing through the ages were shown on the big screen. There were a couple of random twists to the story that were a little lost on me, such as Tarzan and “The Love Boat” swinging across the crowd on zip wires and an ice cream seller on a bike doing the same when the characters reached the Mer de Glace on their journey (glace...ice cream …geddit?). The story ended when the pair, having reached the summit, skied back down – queue two guides in dodgy one-piece suits to literally ski down the whole rock face - well, OK, they were on ropes but it was exhausting just watching them!
After the show, the crowd was treated to a fantastic firework display above the lake and then a concert by Melvil, a popular local band that has been playing in and around the area for years. Seemingly just about to hit the big time, I hear they're off to Australia shortly to support INXS on tour!
Today is the official ceremony for the mountain guides who this morning, formed a procession through town to the cemetery where they paid their respects to colleagues who'd lost their lives. Later on, all were present outside the church in traditional costume for the role call of the entire “Compagnie” and the presentation of this year's honoured guide (Jean Ravanel 1871 – 1913). Newcomers to the Compagnie were also presented with their guiding medals and certain clients made special presentations to their longstanding guides and rope partners, in a show of appreciation for the service they have provided over the years. Musical accompaniment was provided by the 24 members of the guides' choir, created in 1996. Also decked out in traditional costume, they are always a popular attraction of the 4 day festival.
Tonight is the final night of the celebrations and the focus once again returns to Les Gaillands for a live music concert from 8pm. The line up includes ex-Sinsemillia singer Riké, popular French newcomer Ridan and finishes with a reggae set from Jamaican legend, Max Romeo. Tickets cost €20 for tonight's gig and can be bought in advance at the Guides office or Tourist Office on the door. Proceeds from all the events go towards the guides' emergency fund so it's well worth supporting.
