On Sunday we had the Fête de la Branda in the village. Probably my favourite Gorbio fête day and always held in October. Branda is the Provençal word for marc, the marc de Provence, which actually has two meanings: either the fermented grape pulp, seeds, and stems that remain after the grapes are pressed for their juice, or the actual potent distilled alcohol. The word comes from the Old French marchier, to trample. I've written at length on my Postcards blog about last year's Fete de la Branda with many more photographs and a detailed explanation of the process.
The right to distil passes through a family, and in Gorbio, this right is held by two brothers. I only saw one of them this year, so I hope the other one is alright as they are both getting on in age. Don't you think this brother looks rather like Popeye! He loves having his photograph taken and has appeared in magazines and television programmes that cover this annual event. He's holding a plate of socca which he'll eat for his lunch. You can read about socca on the above link too.
Do come back over the next few days and I'll show you more photographs taken at the Fête de la Branda.
The right to distil passes through a family, and in Gorbio, this right is held by two brothers. I only saw one of them this year, so I hope the other one is alright as they are both getting on in age. Don't you think this brother looks rather like Popeye! He loves having his photograph taken and has appeared in magazines and television programmes that cover this annual event. He's holding a plate of socca which he'll eat for his lunch. You can read about socca on the above link too.
Do come back over the next few days and I'll show you more photographs taken at the Fête de la Branda.
That is a truly lovely shot.
ReplyDeleteI thought for a moment that he was looking for Olive Oyle ??
I love your description of the fête from last year - so vivid! I would have loved to spend my day there...tasting and smelling and tasting again ;-)
ReplyDeleteI better hurry-up - it does not look like Popeye and his brother will last too much longer...
(you should visit my blog today - after you have your meal!)
A really nice portrait!
ReplyDeleteI really like this photograph. To tell you the truth, he looks like Popeye's papaw (a word some use for grandfather here)--I do hope that the brother is as healthy as this man looks to be.
ReplyDeleteHe does remind me of Popeye! Quite an interesting festival.
ReplyDeleteThe pipe makes the portrait. Nice shot.
ReplyDeleteGreat portrait Jilly! Sounds like a very fun celebration.
ReplyDeletelol :) He does look like Popeye!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo composition!
ReplyDelete