Characteristic of Provençal Christmases, full of narratives and tales, songs and hymns, animated by the dances of folkloric groups and the guardians of Provençal traditions, the vigils muster the spirit of Christmas in Provence.

At that time, they sample the 13 desserts and sometimes even the big supper.

Between the hymns and the "Noëls" (Provençal songs of which the most famous were composed by Saboly, Roumanille and Charloun Rieu), the pastorale holds its place : theatrical representation of the Nativity sung and spoken in Provençal, it may also accompany the ceremony of the midnight mass.

It is part of the ritual and it evokes above all the story of Joseph looking near Bethlehem for lodgings for his family for the night.

©José Nicolas