One of the great events devoted to maritime traditions and the sea is unfolding in Sète, a small city with a village-like atmosphere on the western side of France’s Mediterranean coast. A village of fishermen and their colorful boats, a village of authentic traditions and fine food awaits. For every two years this city-village celebrates maritime traditions in song, authentic folklore, historic boats, crafts and culinary specialties from the participating regions and countries. This year Escale à Sète (stopover in Sète) is being held from March 31st through April 6th, although Sète is worth a visit at anytime of the year. The festival offers an opportunity to learn about maritime traditions and crafts that are essential to maintaining the boats, both old and new. Workshops, conferences, fantastic boats in the water and a spectacular boat parade are all on the agenda. 

This year’s guest of honor is, fittingly, Italy, for one third of the population of Sète has Italian origins. The Italian village features various regions of Italy and in the waters many a fine sailing ship including those from the Military Marina of the National Navy. And music from the emblematic regions of Italy are all on the agenda. Boats that ply the waters of the lagoon in Venice are all part of the show as well as traditional boats from the lake region. Another highlight is a focus on the heritage of the Gulf of Spezia, Spezia being a dynamic port city of Italy. Historical re-enactments are being played out as well with one devoted to the Vincenti Regiment which was in the service of the Republic of Genoa starting in 1743. 

No less than 120 famous and in-service ships or their replicas are on hand for the boat parades, naval battles, shows and nautical competitions. Some 50 musical groups will be on board the boats, on the docks or in the local taverns. And other special guests include India, Mauritania, Slovenia and Spain. Mauritania will underscore its sustainable fishing program while India will showcase Indian maritime heritage  and Spain will show how it conserves anchovies and sardines Slovenia, whose coastline sits on the Gold of Trieste, will offer a glimpse into the traditions of the Adriatic sea.  

There are more than 1,000 free workshops on the agenda as well. You can learn about naval construction, seamanship, sterring boats and sea and seafood recipes. Sète is France’s leading fishing port on the Mediterranean so fish specialties are all on the agenda during the festival and year round. This year a giant authentic Valencia paella is on hand from the fishermen of Grao de Castello. The first Escale à Sète was held in 2010. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. https://escaleasete.com/