The return of spring goes hand in hand with the opening of Forges of Pyrene. In previous years, it was the egg hunt in the forgotten village which marked the start of the season. This year, there’s something new! In collaboration with the Chamber of Trades and Crafts of Ariège, the Forges de Pyrène welcomed no less than 30 craftsmen as part of the “F(ai)tes of artistic crafts” . I'm taking you with me for a look back at this superb event!
A celebration at the crossroads of Ariège know-how
La F(ai)tes of artistic crafts took place during the European Days of Arts and Crafts (JEMA), the goal? Honor the local know-how, these gestures which are passed down from generation to generation to create from scratch exceptional works of art.
This year, from April 5 to 7, the CMA of Ariège and the Forges de Pyrène have worked hand in hand to highlight these professions. And we can say it, it was a great success !
The place has been transformed to accommodate no less than thirty passionate artisans, ready to unveil the secrets of their trade to the most curious visitors. In the heart of the museum or the village of Forges, you could see artisans from all walks of life : sculptor, cabinetmaker, ceramist, basket maker, milliner, jeweler etc… All these professions exercised with passion, the fruit of manual labor were highlighted during these 3 days of celebration!
Every hour (or almost!) we were able to attend demonstrations and sometimes even participate in them. This was the case during the basketry workshop where we had the chance to make a gazelle horn and we even left with it!
In my opinion, this was the strength of this event. How not to notifyincredible parallel between a site that highlights the trades of yesteryear, and these modern artisans who sometimes still use ancestral techniques.
This parallel between artisanal modernity and the know-how of yesteryear helped to amaze visitors.
The Forges de Pyrène or the enhancement of the know-how of yesteryear
If you have never passed through the doors of Forges of Pyrene, know that at this moment you are crossing a sort of space-time rift.
Head to the 1900s!
At this time you are traveling:
- In two museums where you will discover a whole bunch of objects which were essential in 1900, but also the history of Iron in Ariège
- Across the ages of life, you will not be able to resist the story of Baptistou who tells his little daughter Marion about life at the time,
- During the workshops. where the leaders will transport you: to school, to the blacksmith's workshop, to the bread oven, to the basket maker, the clog maker or the gold prospector.
It looks like it! It is a place for the whole family or even the little ones will be able to have fun in the play area or with the games of yesteryear arranged for the ages of life.
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