The Christmas Magic of Aniane: a constantly renewed show

Bénévole des Féeries, Lisa Mouginot a mis en scène le Pont du Diable et le village d'Aniane. JM – JM

The 15th edition of the Féeries continues until January 5th in Aniane and offers some very nice events until 2025. Philippe Candelero is expected on Wednesday in the City of Benoît.

“The hymn to love” resonates in the Penitents' Chapel. Emerging from the last century, or even another millennium, the voice of “La Môme” instantly transports visitors to the life-size nativity scene into another dimension. A bubble of serenity inspired by the new 3D animation imagined, tailor-made, by Eric Boyer, sound and light magician of the D'Aniane fairy tales. An event that is already celebrating its 15th year. 15 years already and the success is undeniable. “We welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors last year over the entire event. The Féeries Christmas Markets* attract a lot of people”, analyzes Cédric Magne, president of the Féeries association which sets up, year after year, “The largest life-size nativity scene in France”*.

Rediscovering the Devil's Bridge and the City of Benoît

A capacity to resemble that owes nothing to chance. And is not only due to the magical invocation of a certain idea of ​​“Tradition”. “Every year, we try to bring a touch of novelty”, explains the Anianais. The Nativity, the Bridge, the Mill, the fountain… the Provençal crib rests, of course, on its fundamental pillars. But ” we try with each edition to find new scenarios, new scenes, new characters, a new village…”

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A fine blade of skating

For the 2024 edition, in a nice nod, the village of Aniane and the Pont du Diable are also at the heart of a superb mise en abyme, staged by Lisa Mouginot, one of the many little hands of the Féeries. Very close to the life-size nativity scene, the character of Aladdin sets the tone for the “Banquise, du Père Noël” side. Outside, a new nativity scene has also taken up residence near the chapel. But one of the highlights of this 15th edition remains without a doubt the long-awaited arrival of Philippe Candelero, accompanied by other skaters, this Wednesday, December 18, at 6 p.m. “Everyone is waiting for it, it's still exceptional to welcome a double Olympic champion in the Hérault valley.” Especially since the hero of the slide doesn't just come to take selfies in Aniane. On the Christmas Village side, the show should be there, on the ice rink, with a touch of cape and sword on skates as sharp as this fine blade of the ice show. On Monday, December 23, the “Merveilleux Noël” offers a show in the street, with the Compagnie “Les Enjoliveurs” and the Cie “Kervan.”, and will bring “a touch of modernity and poetry”, concludes Cédric Magne.

A commercial locomotive

“The public comes in droves. We receive many messages of encouragement”, appreciates Cédric Magne, president of the Féeries d’Aniane. Above all, the end-of-year meeting in the city of Benoît, “supports an entire economy. It provides work for artisans and shopkeepers in the Hérault Valley sector, in Saint-Jean-de-Fos, Aniane… The Féeries also drive tourism and generate economic spinoffs with overnight stays and tourist taxes. It is a real tourist locomotive", boasts Cédric Magne. And the Fééries also have a social dimension by mobilizing, for a good part of the year, many volunteers and, beyond that, an entire village around an event that has become unmissable over the years. Last but not least, the Santons shop, included in the visit of the life-size Nativity scene, has also become a must-see for collectors of figurines signed by big names in this craft: Maryse Di Landro, Côté Santon by Cathy Grassy, ​​Mayans or Roverch creation.

Cédric Magne, president of Féeries de Nöel. Stéphane Cambon – Stéphane Cambon
Markets on Sundays 15, 22 and Saturday 28 December.
Life-size nativity scene and Santa Claus village: Admission €5 per person and free for children under 12. (Price includes both rooms). I subscribe to read more