Summer fireworks
If you were here on the 14th July, you would be hard put to avoid the fireworks celebrations that mark France’s Bastille Day. In each community, the fireworks are often followed by dancing with neighbours of all ages into the early hours of the morning.
In Cannes this year, the 14th July was the first of six evenings of the “Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique” – a competition between different nations – this year Switzerland, France, Czech Republic, Portugal, Canada and Russia.
We had a wonderful beach party on the night of the Czech Republic display, right under the sight and sound on a central Croisette beach. The fireworks were synchronised to marvellous American film jazz music – and they were stunning! Not surprising that they won the competition announced on the last night of 24th August.
Fireworks spell summer holidays for many. The explosions of colours and sounds high overhead, co-ordinated with music, make up the extraordinary fireworks displays we find elevating and inspiring. I was told that light from fireworks stimulate the body’s pineal gland and its own self-healing mechanisms. A summer vacation offers us the time to be removed from the familiar routines, entertained and distracted from our usual preoccupations, to let go and soar. To enjoy the freedom to relax in the warmth, wear light clothing, stroll on the beach, swim in a warm clear sea and simply reflect on the goodness, the blessings, in your life; to appreciate and spend time with your friends and family.
We hope you all enjoyed your summer wherever you spent it.
(part of the above appears by courtesy of Rev. Anne Naylor who performs magical non-denominational celebration blessings here on the Cote d’Azur)