
Courses Camarguaises
Imagine: the sun is shining on an arena, the crowd is cheering, and there, in the middle, stands an animal with impressive horns. This is not a bullfight as you may know it; this is something completely different. This is a Course Camarguaise, an ancient tradition deeply rooted in the culture of southern France. It is a ballet of courage, agility and respect between man and animal.
In a Course Camarguaise, everything revolves around collecting tassels and ribbons attached to the bull's horns (called “cocarde” here). And here comes the exciting part: the “raseteurs”. These are men, often dressed in white, who enter the arena with incredible speed and precision. They must grab the ribbons and tassels from the horns without injuring the bull. It is a delicate and dangerous dance.
The bulls in the Camargue are no ordinary bulls. They are specially bred for this event and are often the real stars of the show. They are known for their intelligence and their ability to outsmart the raseteurs. A good bull can shine in the arena for years and is treated with great respect. It is not about killing the bull; it is about the challenge, the confrontation and showing each other's skills.
Courses Camarguaises are more than just a sport; they are a living tradition passed down from generation to generation. It is a moment when families come together to celebrate their passion for the Camargue and its traditions. Every raseteur, every bull and every moment in the arena tells a story. A story of courage, respect and the unbreakable bond between man and animal in this beautiful part of France.