Each different region of France is very rich and filled with its own unique traditions. This week, I had the opportunity to visit the southern part of the country. I traveled in two little towns called Arles and Avignon which used to be part of the Roman Empire centuries ago. During my visit, I learned about La Feria of Arles and a song about the famous bridge in Avignon.
La Feria in English means "the fair." In Arles, there is an ancient tradition where every year, people from all across France and Europe travel to this picturesque town to witness one of the only corridas in France. In English, corridas means bullfights. Bullfights most commonly take place in Spain. These corridas in France take place in ancient Roman arenas or amphitheatres.
While in Avignon, I was taught about the importance of the ancient bridge built during the times of the Roman Empire. It is the last remaining Roman bridge that crosses the Rhône river. Such a bridge plays a very important role in the lives of locals and thus, it is part of one of the most famous children's lullabies sung all across France. The song is called Sur le Pont d'Avignon. In English, the title is "On the Avignon Bridge."
The beginning of the song, in English, goes:
