Visit Nimes on a Thursday night during July and August to see how to throw a party. Tourists, locals, singles, and families join in the festivities called Jeudi de Nimes that center around the ancient Roman arena and forum (Maison Carrée).
Visit Nimes
Maison Carrée
On 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, and 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 for an evening of music 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 ask a man to dance. It’s just not done. So women sit around the dance floor and wait until someone invites them to join in 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 revisit Nimes. Meanwhile, tango classes start in Uzès 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.