Visit Nimes on a Thursday night during July and August if you want to see how to throw a party. Tourists, locals, singles and families join in the festivities referred to as Jeudi de Nimes that center around the ancient Roman arena and forum (Maison Carrée).
Maison Carrée
This visit to Jeudi de Nimes I was intent on watching the Tango exhibition. Along the way, however, there were markets; lively cafes on every street; as well as music and dancing of all sorts and origins.
80’s Rock Bands
Flamenco Band
There, in the back streets of Nimes, was the event I was looking forward to seeing. Tango dancers from around the area merged together for an evening of music that lasted until midnight. Not a moment longer. City authorities in Nimes and other towns are very strict about noise. Fines are steep for anyone who disobeys party closing times.
Definitely a few dancers stood out from the rest
Oh, that I could learn Tango just by watching.
I did learn there’s a strict Tango tradition. A woman can never asks a man to dance. It’s just not done. So women pretty much sit around the dance floor and wait until someone invites them to join them to Tango.
The men check out the available crop of dancers.
Then assuming everything goes well … and everybody gets along…
…almost all are matched up for the next Tango.
Thursday nights won’t be the same until this Jeudi de Nimes next year. I can’t wait to visit Nimes again. Meanwhile, tango classes start in Uzes in September. Hmmm…
Categories: Around France, Blog, Loving Music, Nimes
Lovely place for tourist and also the locals to visit again.
Agree! I can go over and over again!
Definitely take lessons! And I loved the quote too.
Thanks! So great to hear from you Pam!
I expect to see you in a photo tangoing away next year! Love the quote at the end.
I wish! Thanks!
It’s a totally different way of life, to that which I am accustomed to in the UK.
The seaside towns I lived in while in SC were very active during the tourist seasons. But I’ve never experienced anything like this. Perhaps it’s because it’s all so new. Tango, bullfights, etc.