The End of Great French Wine Blight - celebrated by kissing

In 1866 the vineyards of Roquemaure, France suffered a blight caused by tiny, voracious insects. They caused so much damage that it was called the Great French Wine Blight.

The landowner made a pilgrimage to Rome and is said to have returned in October 1868
In an appeal for holy intervention, a local land owner - and presumed wine enthusiast - made a pilgrimage to Rome and allegedly returned in October 1868 with the relics of a saint; the saint's flower-bedecked skull is still on display in the 'eternal city'.
The arrival of the saint's relics are celebrated in the town with a festival called  La Festo di Poutoun, or the "festival of lovers and kissers" on or near February 14. 'Somewhat incongruously paired with locals decked out in fussy Victorian attire'. During the festival the relics are taken out from the church where they usually found, and are carried through the streets.

Material Based on http://atlasobscura.com/place/relics-st-valentine-roquemaure-france

1 comment:

Wine Review said...

In water one sees one's own face; but in wine one beholds the heart of another. ~ French proverb