How to celebrate fishing and the industry!

When it comes to staging big events we might have the edge on pomp and circumstance over other nations - but when it comes to revelling in the sheer delight of something - whether that be celebrating the beheading of the entire ruling class, playing a rugby match or just fish - the frogs can teach us plenty.

Comme chaque année, la foule s'est invitée nombreuse à la fête du port. Photo Pascal Couillaud

This was the scene over the weekend at La Rochelle's Fish Festival - not a burger van or hotdog stand in sight (they'd probably be thrown in the harbour - or beheaded).

Here is a translation (slightly corrected) from Sud Ouest, the regional newspaper that ran the story:

On stage, the atmosphere is electric as a trip at sea in heavy weather. At the helm, Jean-Marc Desbois endorses the habit of the captain. Intones an inevitable sea shanty, "Santiano. "People on the port side, we raise our hands. To starboard, you clap your hands! "The most motivated dance already. An atmosphere that Didier Level and his family, relgiously, love. Each year, they put the cap on Pallice. "We have since 2003! We like the atmosphere around the sea, at the bar, it rocks, it is pitching. The bars are dry. 240 cases of wine in 13 hours elapsed. On the podium, the skippers of the Velux are entitled to their share of light. "Today we celebrate the sea in all its dimensions. The fishermen, boaters, adventurers, Mayor Maxime Bono launches. This sea that has made ​​our city! "

take note Newlyn!