The Giant's Parade

Today is the 4th of July back home in the States.

(Or as Matt likes to call it "Good Riddance Day".)

I'm sure there are plenty of parades happening is small towns across the US.

Excitement filling the air.  The laughter of the children running about.

Friends greeting each other with hugs.

Families trying to score the best vantage point.

The clashing of instruments as they all practice in preparation for the march.

Costumes and traditional food.

Generations of a community coming together to celebrate.

All of this is exactly what we experienced in the Seawoman's Festival in Grand Fort Phillipe, France.

As I was marching along in the parade I could have been anywhere in the US.

Well, almost.  There were obviously some differences.

Did you know that many French and Belgium towns are homes to a family of giants?

These generations of giants date back hundreds of year.

They marry and have children.  They die and raise large families.

And on special occasions they lead fabulous parades.

This particular one was in honor of the Seawoman's Festival.

It was also a birthday celebration of the newest giant who turned one this year.

 This particular family of giants is made up of a fisherman, his wife and their children.

Along with a few other characters.  

The giants are up to 20 feet tall and made of wicker and fabric and are on wheels.

Each giant is accompanied by a group of supporters all in costume.

Some were even accompanied by a band.

I'm not sure who invited Captain Hook but he brought along some Disney characters

to the delight of the children.

The one that got away.

The newest member of the Giant family and also the birthday girl.

The leader of the band.

 

A visiting dignitary from a visiting town also made an appearance.

 I even got a double-cheek-kiss from the mayor that day.

These are the travel moments that I just love.

If you'd have told me that I was going to meet a family of giants

and march in a parade that day, I never would have believed you.

If felt so good to be a part of that community for the afternoon.

Even if I had no idea what anyone was saying. 

Vive la difference!

Have you marched in a parade?  I'd love to hear about it. 

Happy 4th of July to all of my 'merican friends!!
I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend enjoying your family and friends.  

 

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We were the guests of Gravelines Office of Tourism for our stay in Gravelines.
  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.