We want to thank families (parents or grandparents) and "l'Amicale des Anciens Elèves de Racan" (old pupils of the highschool) who provide all these original photos !
8/31/10
Historic survey on leisure (photos- part 3)
We want to thank families (parents or grandparents) and "l'Amicale des Anciens Elèves de Racan" (old pupils of the highschool) who provide all these original photos !
Historic survey on leisure (photos- part 2)
This exhibitions shows that, even if young people have more opportunities nowadays (thanks to progress, transport's developpment or internet...), the interests are still the same :
Historic survey on leisure (photos)
Photos of the exhibition realised by the "historic workshop" of our highschool : sports, dancing or games... The old generations and the young ones : what are the differences and the similarities ?
8/29/10
MULTILINGUAL DICTIONARY
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One of the resulting products of this project was the creation of a multilingual dictionary in French, German, Spanish, Galician and English including basic expressions for everyday's communication. This dictionary was handed out to the participants in booklet format and is now released on the blog as you can see below.
Multilingual Dictionary
One of the resulting products of this project was the creation of a multilingual dictionary in French, German, Spanish, Galician and English including basic expressions for everyday's communication. This dictionary was handed out to the participants in booklet format and is now released on the blog as you can see below.
Multilingual Dictionary
COMENIUS Activities 2008 - 2010
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Summary of the project's activities compiled by Colette Franck (Belgium).
Comenius_Activities in 2008
Summary of the project's activities compiled by Colette Franck (Belgium).
Comenius_Activities in 2008
8/22/10
The environment for students living between the Loir valley and Bercé forest- part 3
"The industrial legacy :
The industrial legacy is considerable in the Loir valley. Along 311km in the 4 departments (Eure et Loir, Loir et Cher, Sarthe, Maine et Loire) hydraulic power was indispensable for the paper mills, textile mills or canneries. In Château du Loir some indications still remain of the old gas factory (gas was produced from cal until 1962). In the same sector of Tivoli Road there was a mechanical construction company (Metal Box company) and a cannery.
The arrival of the railway profoundly changed the landscape et the junction odf Château du Loir, Vouvray and Nogent. Situated at the intersection of Le Mans-Tours and Paris-Bordeaux lines, rail traffic rapidly increased, necessitating the construction of new buildings.
Six paper mills can still be seen today. The oldest, at Poncé-sur-le-Loir, was partly constructed in the 18th century. Finally, traces remain in the valley of different activities which were closely linked : a network of canals was dug between 1840 and 1860 and many industries connected to limestone were developped..."
Survey realized by the historic worshop
The industrial legacy is considerable in the Loir valley. Along 311km in the 4 departments (Eure et Loir, Loir et Cher, Sarthe, Maine et Loire) hydraulic power was indispensable for the paper mills, textile mills or canneries. In Château du Loir some indications still remain of the old gas factory (gas was produced from cal until 1962). In the same sector of Tivoli Road there was a mechanical construction company (Metal Box company) and a cannery.
The arrival of the railway profoundly changed the landscape et the junction odf Château du Loir, Vouvray and Nogent. Situated at the intersection of Le Mans-Tours and Paris-Bordeaux lines, rail traffic rapidly increased, necessitating the construction of new buildings.
Six paper mills can still be seen today. The oldest, at Poncé-sur-le-Loir, was partly constructed in the 18th century. Finally, traces remain in the valley of different activities which were closely linked : a network of canals was dug between 1840 and 1860 and many industries connected to limestone were developped..."
Survey realized by the historic worshop
The environment for students living between the Loir valley and Bercé forest- part 2
"Churches and castles :
Saint Guingalois : Originally, Château du Loir had 3 churches : saint Martin's, which has been destroyed, saint Saviour's and saint Guingalois', which comes from a Breton saint who have founded a monastery before her death in 504. Saint Guénolé's relics were brought here during the 10th century Norman invasions. The church became the parish church during the Revolution and despite successive transformations, it kept a few Roman elements like the crypt. That's the oldest part with two rows of cylindrical columns between the naves. The chruch was sold as national property during the Revolution and for a long time served as a stable. The Gothic influence is visible in the windows of the five-sided choir. In the 16th century two side aisles were added and the organ was bought in 1843 at Château l'Hermitage.
Le Lude's castle : It dates from the 10th century, the fortress was built on the banks of the Loir on the border with Anjou. During the Hundred Yeras War, the castle was occupied by the English and liberated in 1427 by Loré, Beaumanoir and Gilles de Rais, the legendary Bluebeard.
Gallerande's Castle : It has a pleasant sheltered courtyard, as well as a park and a fortress transformed into a residence in the 15th century.
Flée's church : Saint Peter's church dates from the 11th century and is mainly constructed of stone and wood.
The mound of Joan of Arc dominating La Chartre : The statue of Joan of Arc stands on a hill dominating La Charte as the result of mother's prayer : she prayed that her son should return safe from the First World War and promised the statue in her honour. The son retruned, but the mother lacked the funds of fulfil her promise. These were provided thanks to a collection made in the area and the statue was erected..."
Saint Guingalois : Originally, Château du Loir had 3 churches : saint Martin's, which has been destroyed, saint Saviour's and saint Guingalois', which comes from a Breton saint who have founded a monastery before her death in 504. Saint Guénolé's relics were brought here during the 10th century Norman invasions. The church became the parish church during the Revolution and despite successive transformations, it kept a few Roman elements like the crypt. That's the oldest part with two rows of cylindrical columns between the naves. The chruch was sold as national property during the Revolution and for a long time served as a stable. The Gothic influence is visible in the windows of the five-sided choir. In the 16th century two side aisles were added and the organ was bought in 1843 at Château l'Hermitage.
Le Lude's castle : It dates from the 10th century, the fortress was built on the banks of the Loir on the border with Anjou. During the Hundred Yeras War, the castle was occupied by the English and liberated in 1427 by Loré, Beaumanoir and Gilles de Rais, the legendary Bluebeard.
Gallerande's Castle : It has a pleasant sheltered courtyard, as well as a park and a fortress transformed into a residence in the 15th century.
Flée's church : Saint Peter's church dates from the 11th century and is mainly constructed of stone and wood.
The mound of Joan of Arc dominating La Chartre : The statue of Joan of Arc stands on a hill dominating La Charte as the result of mother's prayer : she prayed that her son should return safe from the First World War and promised the statue in her honour. The son retruned, but the mother lacked the funds of fulfil her promise. These were provided thanks to a collection made in the area and the statue was erected..."
Interview of Mr Georges, the headmaster
Camille and Alice - Have you ever worked in a bigger school ?
Mr Georges - Yes, certainly, in a school with 1700 students.
C and A - Do you find the atmosphere here more convivial than a bigger school ?
Mr G - It's really different, most of the students konw the others and it is the same with the teachers. The atmosphere is most serene, there is a better consideration of others and idea of affiliation to a community.
C and A - Why did you choose our school ?
Mr G - I didn't choose to come here. All principals have to be ready to change schools. Before I was in Lorraine and I chose 10 school academies. After that, my superiors suggested different schools.
C and A - Have you projects for this school ?
Mr G - For the firts year, I wanted to test the water and began projects with the teachers. I would like to improve the results of the scientific classes. What's more, I would like to involve students in sustainable development. I would like more communication with parents and improve the internet site.
C and A - What's your role in Comenius project ?
Mr G - It's interesting and my role, really, is to make easier the reception of the partners. I just took over from the previous headmaster.
C and A - Do you take the Comenius project seriously ?
Mr G - Yes, it's a good experience for the school and opens it to the outside world.
C and A - What does the Comenius project bring to this school ?
Mr G - It encourages cultural awareness and gives our school a window on the world.
Mr Georges - Yes, certainly, in a school with 1700 students.
C and A - Do you find the atmosphere here more convivial than a bigger school ?
Mr G - It's really different, most of the students konw the others and it is the same with the teachers. The atmosphere is most serene, there is a better consideration of others and idea of affiliation to a community.
C and A - Why did you choose our school ?
Mr G - I didn't choose to come here. All principals have to be ready to change schools. Before I was in Lorraine and I chose 10 school academies. After that, my superiors suggested different schools.
C and A - Have you projects for this school ?
Mr G - For the firts year, I wanted to test the water and began projects with the teachers. I would like to improve the results of the scientific classes. What's more, I would like to involve students in sustainable development. I would like more communication with parents and improve the internet site.
C and A - What's your role in Comenius project ?
Mr G - It's interesting and my role, really, is to make easier the reception of the partners. I just took over from the previous headmaster.
C and A - Do you take the Comenius project seriously ?
Mr G - Yes, it's a good experience for the school and opens it to the outside world.
C and A - What does the Comenius project bring to this school ?
Mr G - It encourages cultural awareness and gives our school a window on the world.
Profile of Amandine
Hi ! I'm Amandine and I was born on the 23d of November 1992 in La Flèche (Sarthe). I live in Le Lude with my parents, my little brother who is 13, my cat and my rabbit.
I am in Terminale L. I've done dance for 5 years and I did fencing for 1 year.
I am nice, friendly and helpful but I'm very shy and very sensible too. I like what teenagers like, it means going out with my friends, listening to music (all kinds of music), surfing the internet and I love reading. I hate liars and selfish people. My favorite subjects are German, English and Literature.
I dream going around the world. I've already been to Germany for 1 month.
I'm taking part in the Comenius project because I want to discover different people and cultures. I am fond of languages and I think it's a good way to improve them.
I am in Terminale L. I've done dance for 5 years and I did fencing for 1 year.
I am nice, friendly and helpful but I'm very shy and very sensible too. I like what teenagers like, it means going out with my friends, listening to music (all kinds of music), surfing the internet and I love reading. I hate liars and selfish people. My favorite subjects are German, English and Literature.
I dream going around the world. I've already been to Germany for 1 month.
I'm taking part in the Comenius project because I want to discover different people and cultures. I am fond of languages and I think it's a good way to improve them.
The environment for students living between the Loir valley and Bercé forest- part 1
"The Loir Valley is situated 50km from the Loire Valley (other one !) and 200km south west of Paris. It's close to four big towns : Le Mans, Tours, Angers and Orléans. It's a rural area sreved by road, motorway and railway networks. Tree cultivation is important with 53000 hectares of apple trees. Wines extend over 16 communes and include 1,600 hectares of AOC Côteaux du Loir and 128 hectares of AOC Jasnières. Jasnières is a fruity white wine, considered one of the best dry whites in France, with a characteristic "flinty" flavour. It's one of the few white wines to taste good after ageing for 10 or 20 years. In some places, troglodytic architecture can be found. Such cave-like dwellings may be lived in, or used as wine cellars or for growing mushrooms.
Bercé forest covers an area of 5,415 hectares and is situated 30km south west of Le Mans on a plateau at an altitude of 150m. It's said to be all that remains of the ancient forest of Carnutes which stretched from Paris to Bordeaux in the Middle Ages. According to legend, in those times a squirrel could travel from one town to the other without touching the ground. It became a royal forest in 1337, under the control of the forest administration responsible for its development. In 1669, Colbert's decree stated the intention of creating a powerful navy. It was therrfore necessary to cultivate oak trees with very long trunks. The trunks were brought to the Loir, 10 km away, then floated to the naval dockyards in Nantes. In 1791 Bercé forest became a national forest..."
Bercé forest covers an area of 5,415 hectares and is situated 30km south west of Le Mans on a plateau at an altitude of 150m. It's said to be all that remains of the ancient forest of Carnutes which stretched from Paris to Bordeaux in the Middle Ages. According to legend, in those times a squirrel could travel from one town to the other without touching the ground. It became a royal forest in 1337, under the control of the forest administration responsible for its development. In 1669, Colbert's decree stated the intention of creating a powerful navy. It was therrfore necessary to cultivate oak trees with very long trunks. The trunks were brought to the Loir, 10 km away, then floated to the naval dockyards in Nantes. In 1791 Bercé forest became a national forest..."
French students' comments on Comenius project
AMANDINE : (travelled to Belgium)
The Comenius project allowed me to meet very different people. I met my partner with whom I got on well. My trip to Belgium showed me that all young Europeans have more or less the same adolescence, the same life punctuated by school, friends, pastimes... We all fill our free time in the same way and all that changes is the amount of time devoted to our free time, since it varies according to the country. During the trip I loved spending time with Marie-Astrid, my partner, who showed me her life and hobbies (theatre, rollerskating, her friends...) I was also lucky enough to taste typical dishes, like "boulets liégeois" (traditional meatballs). I will keep fond memories of this little trip.
MANON : (Germany)
During this exchange I met Lisa, a German highschool student. Thanks to this exchange, I was able to see that the pastimes of young Germans are similar to ours, however their lifestyle is a little different: the Germans have better transport facilities (trams, trains) and go out more (classes end at 3pm). They seem sportier and more concerned about the environment (they travel by bike) and mealtimes are very different to ours, given that they eat a sandwich every two hours and rarely "proper meals". What struck me as very different in Germany were the anti-smoking measures (minors are forbidden to smoke in public) whereas there are lots of advertisements for tobacco, which no longer exists in France. I also noticed during my trip to Germany that the Germans don't kiss each other hello or goodbye and this French custom astonishes them. Finally, I'll say that the Germans are very warm and welcoming.
SOLENNE : (Belgium)
NAEL : (Spain)
My trip to Spain, to Ourense, allowed me to discover the way of life of Spanish teens and those of other countries. Theirs is really less stressful than ours. Many stereotypes are true : the young have more freedom; parents are less strict than in France and so are the teachers; what's more they have fewer lessons a day which lets them do more extra-curricular activities or go out more often. I also met some Germans. They eat a lot compared to the French.
To conclude, the pastimes of young Europeans have a lot in common. What differs are the lifestyles and that means that leisure activities aren't seen in the same way. Attitudes to leisure activities among the French and Belgians are quite similar, whereas in Germany it's different. Most Germans belong to a team or a club, and are really determined in their pursuit of sport and spend a lot of time doing it. This isn't really true in France and Belgium.
SARAH : (Spain)
Thanks to the Comenius project, I had the opportunity of welcoming a Spanish partner here and of going to Spain. I thoroughly enjoyed these exchanges for, as well as practising the language, they allowed us discover our European neighbours' way of life, which isn't the same as ours. I noticed that, like many Spanish teens, my partner would regularly go out in the evenings with a few friends for a drink in a bar or to dance till 2 or 3am - sometimes even later - although she'd got school next day. It has to be said that the town of Orense offers more entertainment than Château-du-Loir and parents allow their children to stay out till all hours. At 10.30pm in the streets of Orense I remember seeing children of ten or so, with no parental supervision, which really surprised me; on the contrary, my partner found this quite normal. What's more, the Spanish students are frre in the afternoon - from 2pm - for leisure activities, walking, shopping or revising in the run-up to the exams. In comparison, I find it more difficult to do leisure activities while most students are in school all day, that's to say from 8am to 5.30pm. What's more, all the stereotypes we hear about aren't entirely untrue. For example, the Spanish are said to party a lot, which turns out to be true; my stay in Spain confirmed this. In any case, I've fond memories of this exchange which was full of surprises, laughter and encounters...
PAULINE : (Belgium)
The environment these young Europeans live in is very like ours. Even if some have slightly different customs, it doesn't stop us having the same pastimes. On the whole I think we have the same pastimes and those that are different don't depend on the young people but on geographical features, like being close to a river. On the other hand, having fewer classes after lunch meant that the Germans and Spanish did more sport than the Belgians and the French. They have more time to devote themselves fully to their pastimes.
The Comenius project allowed me to meet very different people. I met my partner with whom I got on well. My trip to Belgium showed me that all young Europeans have more or less the same adolescence, the same life punctuated by school, friends, pastimes... We all fill our free time in the same way and all that changes is the amount of time devoted to our free time, since it varies according to the country. During the trip I loved spending time with Marie-Astrid, my partner, who showed me her life and hobbies (theatre, rollerskating, her friends...) I was also lucky enough to taste typical dishes, like "boulets liégeois" (traditional meatballs). I will keep fond memories of this little trip.
MANON : (Germany)
For my part, I went to Germany, to Bremen from 12th to 17th May 2009, and stayed with Janina Pahl and her family in Bremen. I found this exchange really interesting and fun and I will keep only fond memories of it. The activities were interesting; the life in Germany is very calm and the atmosphere is pleasant. It's a jovial country where life is good. I find the Germans very ambitious and they do a lot of activities. If I had to pick out a few of my German partner's caracteristics, I could say that Janna was rather calm, kind and fun. As for the main issue raised by the Comenius project, whether all European teenagers had the same pastimes, I can say that on the whole, whether French or German, our pastimes are similar. I think the real difference lies in the amount of time devoted to them. For me, the Germans, who finish classes earlier than the French, can devote more time to these activities. What I noticed was that my partner played tenis, went out with her friends, took care of her sister, did her school work with no real time restrictictions, calmly and never really getting stressed. What's more, that's an essential factor of German life. I also think that this greater "freedom" than the French have allows them to be more autonomous. They seem more mature ane more responsible than the French. What's more, the fact that the Germans spend little time over meals, with family meals being uncommon, saves more time. Each eats whenever he wants, at any time of the day.
As for the trip itself, my favourite moments were the evenings and nights spent in Bremen with the Germans, the Spanish, the Belgians and the French. That's where there were the most exchanges and unforgettable moments. The day devoted to sporting activities, notably to volleyball, and also the day we watched the Werder Bremen match were also good times.
Exchanges between countries are really interesting. They allow us to visit other countries, meet other people, speak other languages, learn a lot and store up unforgettable memories.
MARION : (Germany)During this exchange I met Lisa, a German highschool student. Thanks to this exchange, I was able to see that the pastimes of young Germans are similar to ours, however their lifestyle is a little different: the Germans have better transport facilities (trams, trains) and go out more (classes end at 3pm). They seem sportier and more concerned about the environment (they travel by bike) and mealtimes are very different to ours, given that they eat a sandwich every two hours and rarely "proper meals". What struck me as very different in Germany were the anti-smoking measures (minors are forbidden to smoke in public) whereas there are lots of advertisements for tobacco, which no longer exists in France. I also noticed during my trip to Germany that the Germans don't kiss each other hello or goodbye and this French custom astonishes them. Finally, I'll say that the Germans are very warm and welcoming.
SOLENNE : (Belgium)
Participating in the Comenius project was a very satisfying and enriching experience.
The trip to Belgium represented the concrete realisation of the project and the year we had spent studying the pastimes of young Europeans. For me it meant discovering a new country and a new culture.
I noticed that the Belgians are more sporty than the French (I saw how well they played in the badminton tournament), notably thanks to more intensive training at school, but also during extra-curricular pastimes. No doubt they have more free time than French teens. My partner shared her passion for rowing. Otherwise their pastimes are similar to ours : music, going to the cinema, shopping...
We also swapped recipes : I tasted Liège syrup and showed them "rillettes", a Sarthois speciality they'd never tasted. What struck me most was the number of kisses to say hello: in France we give 2 or 4; they give 1 or 2. It was hard for me to get used to !
I have fond memories of the trip, all the more so because of the ties created between me, my partner and her family.
MELODIE : (Germany)
What I'll remember from this exchange is getting to know other people of my age in Europe. As far as my German partner is concerned, I'd say the snapshot I'll keep is his addiction to food and for my Belgian partner I'd say their culture isn't that different from ours. They don't have the same experience as teenagers, for they have much more freedom and are allowed out more. Yes, they devote more time to their leisure activities as they don't have lessons in the afternoons.MELODIE : (Germany)
NAEL : (Spain)
My trip to Spain, to Ourense, allowed me to discover the way of life of Spanish teens and those of other countries. Theirs is really less stressful than ours. Many stereotypes are true : the young have more freedom; parents are less strict than in France and so are the teachers; what's more they have fewer lessons a day which lets them do more extra-curricular activities or go out more often. I also met some Germans. They eat a lot compared to the French.
They live their teens differently to us. They are less stressed by their studies and more protected by their parents. By this I mean that they're free to go out a lot, knowing that their parents will come and pick them up in the middle of the night. Their classes are organized in such a way that they're able to do some sort of activity. Yet I don't know if they really take advantage of this.
My favourite moments were in the heated spas of Outaris. Being in a warm pool and feeling rain dropping on my face was really great. The atmosphere in the dance-bars is good, too. I remember that the first day I met my partner he left me with others from the Comenius group, telling me quickly that he was going to his piano lesson. When they decided to go home, my partner still hadn't come to get me. I panicked ans had to ask a Spanish girl to phone him to come and get me.
LEA : (Spain)
These exchanges have allowed me to open up to a new culture. I've got to know new people and Comenius has brought me friendship with my penfriend Sara who I talk to a lot.
Which character traits? The Spanish are ALWAYS tired. I must have heard the sentence: "I'm tired" 30 or so times a day. There's no denying that they eat a lot, party a lot and are really welcoming.
I think the Sapnish have a strange lifestyle (compared to us in France). They don't go to bed before one or two in the morning. Young people go out drinking and to see their friends on Thursdays and Fridays and get up early to go to school. On the other hand, they enjoy more free time for they can go out in the afternoons since lessons stop at 2.30pm.
As far as hobbies are concerned, my penfriend and the other Spanish partners didn't seem very sporty but were all passionate about music. They devote more time to it for they have fewer hours of lessons (even if technically they should use this time to work in). But this point of view is limited to the group I met in March.
What I liked best when I met my partner for the first time in France was her big smile. It relaxed me completely, as I was quite anxious about not knowing her. When I arrived in Spain, it was just great because she threw her arms round me and her mother was really welcoming.
Anecdotes : there's the shock (yes my partner was really shocked) of learning all that is forbidden in France, but not in Spain, like the hookah bars, the sale of spirits to kids under-18. I don't know how many times she said : "But it cant be true!" and it made me laugh.
AURORE : (Germany)
I was in a hurry to go to Germany and the voyage didn't disappoint me! It was the first time I'd flown and it all went well. When I met Charlie (Charline), we immediately hit it off. While we were walking to her house, we chatted away happily. I went into Charlie's class and noticed lessons there were much more relaxed than in France. What shocked me most was how often the Germans eat. Our German partners had prepared a lot for us to do, like a barbecue and the footbal match, which was my first. In the evenings, Charlie, Nina (Manon's partner), Manon and I went into Bremen and had a lot of fun. The final evening was great. One of the partners had organized a Karaoke. It was sad to say goodbye.
AMELIANE : (Belgium)
During the Comenius project, I was partnered with Sophie, who is Belgian, and I went to stay with her along with other partners who were German!
During the Comenius project, I was partnered with Sophie, who is Belgian, and I went to stay with her along with other partners who were German!
I found out that the leisure activities of young Europeans aren't at all different. However, the Germans do devote more time to their pastimes and are a little sportier than the French and the Belgians. Tyey finish school in the early afternoon which sometimes allows them to devote a whole afternoon to their pastime. They often belong to clubs or teams.
On the other hand, I learnt about different cultures, particularly when I went to Sophie's with Torben and Lisa, for all four of us were very different, which meant we didn't always agree on which activity to choose among those suggested by Sophie. As a result, we talked a lot about our lifestyles.
Finally, when Sophie came to stay with me and I went to her house, we immediately found out that our favourite sport or pastime was shopping. I also learnt about the kindness, understanding and good humour of people from the north!
HARMONIE : (Belgium)
For me Comenius was a good experience thanks to the work on the survey and to my trip to Belgium. Going to my partner's in Belgium was enriching. I learnt that they lived the same way as we do; the only differences are the school system and the way boys and girls are separated in sport. Their leisure activities aren't different from ours. We have a lot in common. During my trip to Blegium I visited Brussels and went to the Comic Strip Museum, which I really liked. My partner's family was really great, ready to welcome everyone and all new experiences.
One day I remember that my partner's mother gave me something, saying 'please'. That surprised me, as in France we don't say 'please' when we give someone something, but say 'here' instead. I think that anecdote will remain a fond memory as will the whole experience.For me Comenius was a good experience thanks to the work on the survey and to my trip to Belgium. Going to my partner's in Belgium was enriching. I learnt that they lived the same way as we do; the only differences are the school system and the way boys and girls are separated in sport. Their leisure activities aren't different from ours. We have a lot in common. During my trip to Blegium I visited Brussels and went to the Comic Strip Museum, which I really liked. My partner's family was really great, ready to welcome everyone and all new experiences.
ORIANE : (Spain)
To begin, it was my first visit to Spain and I have fond memories of it. For me, the whole voyage was an anecdote between ultra-sporty times to avoid missing our transport and times spent with Sarah, Léa and Naël, where we had trouble making ourselves understood, and times when we had a few little problems, nothing serious indeed rather funny. Today we still talk about it and laugh!
To begin, it was my first visit to Spain and I have fond memories of it. For me, the whole voyage was an anecdote between ultra-sporty times to avoid missing our transport and times spent with Sarah, Léa and Naël, where we had trouble making ourselves understood, and times when we had a few little problems, nothing serious indeed rather funny. Today we still talk about it and laugh!
As far as my host family is concerned, they were nice and welcoming, perhaps too welcoming! In fact they were far too kind (they no doubt wanted to be polite but it was sometimes embarrassing) and maybe a little too greedy : the Spanish have big appetites! What's more, I'd say they were hearty eaters, reminding me of Gargantua and eating at any time of the day or night, anywhere, and anything at all. They're fantastic people and love "fiestas". In a word, they enjoy life.
Regarding the Germans, they seemed a little more distant and reserved, less touchy-feely (although less worried about modesty) and they, too, have hearty appetites, especially for beer! I can confirm their reputation: beer is what really matters!
I also find that these teenagers of different nationalities are much less stressed than French students and have much more freedom, which doesn't mean they're more responsible! They're lucky enough to live in a country where the education system isn't such a heavy burden, is more relaxing than ours. What's more, the Spanish;, like the Germans, have no lessons in the afternoon, although the latter have an opportunity to do sport in the daytime.
During our stay I was astonished by a degree of irresponsibility on the part of the Spanish : they spent their parents' money like water. We would go out at night and banknotes would be handed out as if they had no value for the spenders. When I received my partner in France, I insisted on paying for her whenever we went out. I think that if she'd done the same, she would have thought twice before spending so much. Still, our cultures are quite different and it's always interesting to see how other populations live.
By the end, the trip exhausted me - between going out every night till 1am on average - eating too much fatty food and being kept busy all day, but it was an experience not to be missed. In a nutshell, I enjoyed it and it allowed me to get to know the other French students! For me it's worth repeating, if possible!!SARAH : (Spain)
Thanks to the Comenius project, I had the opportunity of welcoming a Spanish partner here and of going to Spain. I thoroughly enjoyed these exchanges for, as well as practising the language, they allowed us discover our European neighbours' way of life, which isn't the same as ours. I noticed that, like many Spanish teens, my partner would regularly go out in the evenings with a few friends for a drink in a bar or to dance till 2 or 3am - sometimes even later - although she'd got school next day. It has to be said that the town of Orense offers more entertainment than Château-du-Loir and parents allow their children to stay out till all hours. At 10.30pm in the streets of Orense I remember seeing children of ten or so, with no parental supervision, which really surprised me; on the contrary, my partner found this quite normal. What's more, the Spanish students are frre in the afternoon - from 2pm - for leisure activities, walking, shopping or revising in the run-up to the exams. In comparison, I find it more difficult to do leisure activities while most students are in school all day, that's to say from 8am to 5.30pm. What's more, all the stereotypes we hear about aren't entirely untrue. For example, the Spanish are said to party a lot, which turns out to be true; my stay in Spain confirmed this. In any case, I've fond memories of this exchange which was full of surprises, laughter and encounters...
PAULINE : (Belgium)
The Comenius experience allowed me to get to know new people, both foreign and French. The memory I'll particularly treasure is the trip to Belgium, which allowed me to meet a great family and discover wonderful scenery. The trip proved that Belgian chips are indeed the best! During this trip I loved discovering a family life which was different from my own. What's more, I really liked the folk dances.
5/23/10
Come and visit my school !
You liked the European meetings organised within the Comenius project?
Why not coming and studying at my school? You can choose between several teaching ways : general education that leads you to higher and university education, technical or professional training where you can specialise in a job related to wood, mechanics, electricity, accounting or service. If you choose a theorical training, you can specialise in sciences, economics, computer skills and social sciences. Learning at my school, Saint-Raphaël school centre, means meeting about 800 pupils, living in a semi-rural area, in the Ambleve valley, close by the Belgian Ardens. You can discover here wonderful paths, play football or basketball in many local clubs. At the academy of Aywailles, you can develop your artistic talent (music, painting...) and at the week-end, you meet your friends at the many dances held in the region."
Belgian students of Sciences sociales et éducatives
Belgian students' impressions of Ourense
Belgian students’ impressions of Ourense
This five-day trip was a great experience. I especially remember the hours when we ate in the evening.
And they go out every night!
Activities were very good! I loved the hot baths, the day when every country had tests and games and when we spent the day in Portugal!Spain is a nice country, the weather wasn't very good, but the scenery was beautiful! :)
This five-day trip was a great experience. I especially remember the hours when we ate in the evening.
And they go out every night!
Activities were very good! I loved the hot baths, the day when every country had tests and games and when we spent the day in Portugal!Spain is a nice country, the weather wasn't very good, but the scenery was beautiful! :)
My correspondent and his family were very nice with me!
I hope to go back to Spain with my family :). Julie Dechesne
Our stay in Spain was great!I liked it very much. Even if the weather wasn't really nice, everybody was in a good mood.I enjoyed all activities aven if we had to go to bed late and that I sometimes felt tired.If I had to live this kind of experience again, I wouldn't hesitate any second to join in. I found it quite difficult to include the group of Comenius students and I think it's a pity..." Kelly Martins Sampaio
Our stay in Spain was great!I liked it very much. Even if the weather wasn't really nice, everybody was in a good mood.I enjoyed all activities aven if we had to go to bed late and that I sometimes felt tired.If I had to live this kind of experience again, I wouldn't hesitate any second to join in. I found it quite difficult to include the group of Comenius students and I think it's a pity..." Kelly Martins Sampaio
"Hello!
First, I must admit that we got on really well with the group even if I was the only boy in the 'Belgian delegation'. We had a lot of fun with our mates.Secondly, the atmosphere among us was warm in spite of the dull weather. My guest family and especially Hector were very nice to me.Finally, the chosen activities were funny. Saturday was the most tiring day for me because we had to travel a lot by car.NB: Bothering details:- going out every night was entertaining but tiring because we had to get up early.- most Comenius students already knew each other and I didn't feel included until Saturday.Anyway, I would be delighted to live such a great experience again!" Jérôme Watthieu
The Comenius trip was really a great experience for me. My family was very nice! The first two days were hard because I dared not speak and had trouble getting out words in English. But after the second day, the words came more easily! I think that the atmosphere in Spain is really good and people are very welcoming!
The Spanish are real party animals. I got on very well with Suzana and the last day we talked more and more. The activities that we made were interesting and of course my favorite teachers were there with us!
It was a very useful trip and very sociable. I’ll always remember it!
Ella Portier
First, I must admit that we got on really well with the group even if I was the only boy in the 'Belgian delegation'. We had a lot of fun with our mates.Secondly, the atmosphere among us was warm in spite of the dull weather. My guest family and especially Hector were very nice to me.Finally, the chosen activities were funny. Saturday was the most tiring day for me because we had to travel a lot by car.NB: Bothering details:- going out every night was entertaining but tiring because we had to get up early.- most Comenius students already knew each other and I didn't feel included until Saturday.Anyway, I would be delighted to live such a great experience again!" Jérôme Watthieu
The Comenius trip was really a great experience for me. My family was very nice! The first two days were hard because I dared not speak and had trouble getting out words in English. But after the second day, the words came more easily! I think that the atmosphere in Spain is really good and people are very welcoming!
The Spanish are real party animals. I got on very well with Suzana and the last day we talked more and more. The activities that we made were interesting and of course my favorite teachers were there with us!
It was a very useful trip and very sociable. I’ll always remember it!
Ella Portier
4/29/10
German students' impressions of Ourense
With a lot of anticipation I started the journey to Ourense in Spain on 16 March 2010 at 5.00 am in the morning. At 3.30 pm in the afternoon my host family welcomed me very kind and lovely. From now onwards it meant: kisses left, kisses right for every welcome and parting even with people I did not know actually. This custom brought the feeling of safety and being part of the family and friends.
My host family was very solicitous and they were asking me a lot of times if I am feeling well and if everything is like I want it to be. I was touched by that frankness and sincerity because in Germany it is very rare to be welcomed in that way.
I was very interested in the “Workshops” because I could learn the likings of the young persons from the different countries. In this way I recognized that the cultures, traditions and customs are different than ours.
For my part the dinner was requiring getting used to because it only starts at 10 pm. After the dinner we always met the other “Comenius people” and we were out three hours more. We went from pub to pub, per evening at least four different ones. The reason why we left the pubs very often was that they were very little and overcrowded.
My host parents went out as well to enjoy their spare time. I had the impression that in Spain everything is more stress-free and just like that everybody enjoys his spare time willfully. In Germany you are more under pressure of success.
Too fast the six days in Spain had passed and I had to return home. For me Comenius was a new and great experience. Moreover the nice relationship between the students and the teachers contributed to the amazing journey. I thought I am staying in another world for these days.
The contact to my host student Candela and especially to the Spanish students is still existing. We are looking forward to seeing us again.
I was very glad to be part of the Comenius project otherwise it is very difficult to get the chance to get to know other students from different European countries.
Janina
I think it´s not possible to put the whole Comenius project into one main event. It´s just the way young people get together every day and experience new cultures and languages. For example the optional trip for students to a really really old site (castro) in the mountains. Almost two hours walk, but every single student came, just to be a part of the group and to see all people as much as possible in this short week.
I can´t describe how much I treasure this week in Spain. I got up with a smile on my face every morning, ´cause I knew I would see these great people again. If I think of one great thing I learned during Comenius, it´s this: personal relationships are the most significant aspect of life, because you can hold on to them forever!
I can only recommend such an experience to every student, even if they are shy or scared, it´s worth it!
Ányos
Tuesday (16.03.2010) in the morning - we start at Bremen airport. Our destination is Ourense (Spain). This is the last Comenius travel in this project. The main question at the beginning of this trip is: What can we learn about the Spanish culture? Will we have fun? How are the Spanish host families?
At Paris airport, we had to wait two hours. The waiting area has a funny toy. We found a very cool toy for the two hours. @France: Very good idea!
At 15:30, we arrive in Ourense. The weather at its very best. Sunny, warm temperature...
In Spain, we spent six days. The results of the six days are: The Spanish culture is interesting and very different to the German culture. For example the Spanish people eat in the night at 10 o’clock. The Sport lessons are only one hour long, a little bit too less for the football nation Spain. The city Ourense is very beautiful. The city has a nice old town with a lot of bars and cafes. Other program highlights included: a day trip to Santiago de Compostela, visited the "Outariz Termas“ (hot springs trip), went to Portugal, participated in workshops and last but not least the evening program in the old town of Ourense.
My time in Spain was coined by great conversations with great people. To sum up, I would like to say, that the trip to Ourense was really brilliant. Thanks to the organization team(s) and the host families. Thanks for everything!!
Dennis
For me personally the Comenius meeting in Ourense has given me so many things that I value.
As a guest I immediately felt like an affilitated son in the family and got established in the everyday life. Particularly the relaxed attitude of the Spanish people towards life impressed me. They enjoy life and don´t seem to live to work. At least they don’t seem to be interested in driving a big Mercedes or wearing designer clothes or having a big house. Rather they like to do something with their friends after work or school. The feeling of being together and joint activities have top priority. Even if I only stayed for five days in Ourense, I do not want to miss that time. Within this short time, I improved my language skills and got to know new people. For me it’s certain that I am going to come back to Ourense. I hope that as a representative of our country I could show my host student Sara and her family a convincing picture of Germany.
Leif
Our great trip began on Tuesday. We took at 6 o'clock a plane from Bremen to Paris. In Paris we had two hours free time. It was very boring and the chairs very uncomfortable. Our plane took off to Vigo at 10 o'clock. In Vigo we landed directly next to a golf course.
Another world started now. Before we went to Orense by train, we sat down in a little café and had a hot chocolate. It was really delicious. Now the last stage to our final destination started: The train to Ourense City. We arrived in the afternoon then going home to our host families. Sara was my and Leif's host student. Everybody was nice. The communication was no problem because everybody was able to speak English, the Germans a little bit of Spanish and the Spaniards a little bit of German. Only to start a conversation was a thing we had to come across. German is one of Sara´s school subjects and her father Luís works every year for one week in Germany. That made the interactions way easier.
Sara and her parents were very very friendly and it was a lot of fun to live in this family.
The Spanish food was very delicious, especially the Spanish tortilla and the bacon.
Ourense is a very amazing city. Ruins on the little mountains, thermal bath near the river and a lot of interesting shops and bars in the city centre. But the best was, we could reach everything on foot.
My time in Spain was overwhelming and coined by great and friendly people. I never made a bad experience with Spanish people and I was impressed by the politeness and openness of them. I very much enjoyed the experience of being part of an international team which gave me the feeling of being special.
Stefan
My host family was very solicitous and they were asking me a lot of times if I am feeling well and if everything is like I want it to be. I was touched by that frankness and sincerity because in Germany it is very rare to be welcomed in that way.
I was very interested in the “Workshops” because I could learn the likings of the young persons from the different countries. In this way I recognized that the cultures, traditions and customs are different than ours.
For my part the dinner was requiring getting used to because it only starts at 10 pm. After the dinner we always met the other “Comenius people” and we were out three hours more. We went from pub to pub, per evening at least four different ones. The reason why we left the pubs very often was that they were very little and overcrowded.
My host parents went out as well to enjoy their spare time. I had the impression that in Spain everything is more stress-free and just like that everybody enjoys his spare time willfully. In Germany you are more under pressure of success.
Too fast the six days in Spain had passed and I had to return home. For me Comenius was a new and great experience. Moreover the nice relationship between the students and the teachers contributed to the amazing journey. I thought I am staying in another world for these days.
The contact to my host student Candela and especially to the Spanish students is still existing. We are looking forward to seeing us again.
I was very glad to be part of the Comenius project otherwise it is very difficult to get the chance to get to know other students from different European countries.
Janina
I think it´s not possible to put the whole Comenius project into one main event. It´s just the way young people get together every day and experience new cultures and languages. For example the optional trip for students to a really really old site (castro) in the mountains. Almost two hours walk, but every single student came, just to be a part of the group and to see all people as much as possible in this short week.
I can´t describe how much I treasure this week in Spain. I got up with a smile on my face every morning, ´cause I knew I would see these great people again. If I think of one great thing I learned during Comenius, it´s this: personal relationships are the most significant aspect of life, because you can hold on to them forever!
I can only recommend such an experience to every student, even if they are shy or scared, it´s worth it!
Ányos
Tuesday (16.03.2010) in the morning - we start at Bremen airport. Our destination is Ourense (Spain). This is the last Comenius travel in this project. The main question at the beginning of this trip is: What can we learn about the Spanish culture? Will we have fun? How are the Spanish host families?
At Paris airport, we had to wait two hours. The waiting area has a funny toy. We found a very cool toy for the two hours. @France: Very good idea!
At 15:30, we arrive in Ourense. The weather at its very best. Sunny, warm temperature...
In Spain, we spent six days. The results of the six days are: The Spanish culture is interesting and very different to the German culture. For example the Spanish people eat in the night at 10 o’clock. The Sport lessons are only one hour long, a little bit too less for the football nation Spain. The city Ourense is very beautiful. The city has a nice old town with a lot of bars and cafes. Other program highlights included: a day trip to Santiago de Compostela, visited the "Outariz Termas“ (hot springs trip), went to Portugal, participated in workshops and last but not least the evening program in the old town of Ourense.
My time in Spain was coined by great conversations with great people. To sum up, I would like to say, that the trip to Ourense was really brilliant. Thanks to the organization team(s) and the host families. Thanks for everything!!
Dennis
For me personally the Comenius meeting in Ourense has given me so many things that I value.
As a guest I immediately felt like an affilitated son in the family and got established in the everyday life. Particularly the relaxed attitude of the Spanish people towards life impressed me. They enjoy life and don´t seem to live to work. At least they don’t seem to be interested in driving a big Mercedes or wearing designer clothes or having a big house. Rather they like to do something with their friends after work or school. The feeling of being together and joint activities have top priority. Even if I only stayed for five days in Ourense, I do not want to miss that time. Within this short time, I improved my language skills and got to know new people. For me it’s certain that I am going to come back to Ourense. I hope that as a representative of our country I could show my host student Sara and her family a convincing picture of Germany.
Leif
Our great trip began on Tuesday. We took at 6 o'clock a plane from Bremen to Paris. In Paris we had two hours free time. It was very boring and the chairs very uncomfortable. Our plane took off to Vigo at 10 o'clock. In Vigo we landed directly next to a golf course.
Another world started now. Before we went to Orense by train, we sat down in a little café and had a hot chocolate. It was really delicious. Now the last stage to our final destination started: The train to Ourense City. We arrived in the afternoon then going home to our host families. Sara was my and Leif's host student. Everybody was nice. The communication was no problem because everybody was able to speak English, the Germans a little bit of Spanish and the Spaniards a little bit of German. Only to start a conversation was a thing we had to come across. German is one of Sara´s school subjects and her father Luís works every year for one week in Germany. That made the interactions way easier.
Sara and her parents were very very friendly and it was a lot of fun to live in this family.
The Spanish food was very delicious, especially the Spanish tortilla and the bacon.
Ourense is a very amazing city. Ruins on the little mountains, thermal bath near the river and a lot of interesting shops and bars in the city centre. But the best was, we could reach everything on foot.
My time in Spain was overwhelming and coined by great and friendly people. I never made a bad experience with Spanish people and I was impressed by the politeness and openness of them. I very much enjoyed the experience of being part of an international team which gave me the feeling of being special.
Stefan
4/5/10
Minutes of the Comenius Conference in Spain 16th March 2010 to 21st March 2010
| m PARTICIPANTS Bremen (GER) : Andrea Holzinger, Saskia Laackmann, Manfred Runge, Werner Fabisch Aywaille (BE): Collette Franck, Jacqueline Vanstalle, Valerie Fafchamps, Sophie Defise Château du Loir (F): Chrystelle Capdecomme, Valier Baraille Ourense (ES): Elisa Álvarez Fernández, Raquel Pato Lorenzo, Amparo Vázquez Vivas AGENDA - multilingual dicitionary - evaluation - final report Multilingual Dictionary Collette and Jacqueline present the final version of the multilingual dictionary in printed form which is to be given to the travelling students. The digital version will be put on the blog (including galego). Evaluation Within the project we are obliged to evaluate the project. Elisa will set up a questionnaire and send it to the partners. Parents and students should be asked to fill it in. Final report By 30/9/2010 all partners have to submit an intermediate report and send it to their national agency in the corresponding language. The following was discussed: - There is no longer a joint part included. - Concerning problems each country should describe them according to their individual situation. - As the final product is the blog and several films and booklets Andrea advises not to send any printed material or CDs or DVDs as all the relevant results can be seen on the blog. - All the intended activities were achieved. by Andrea Holzinger |
3/12/10
3/8/10
Last day in Bremen
Impressions of our last day in Bremen!
This video was made by Raquel Pato and Elisa Álvarez.
Bremen - Sports
Sportgarten Bremen:
Climbing, soccer, basketball, etc. Very hard work ...
This video was made by Raquel Pato and Elisa Álvarez.
Bremerhaven - German Emigration Center
DEUTSCHES AUSWANDERERHAUS IN BREMERHAVEN
This museum offers a wide range of information about the German emigration where you can experience emigration, discover roots helps you to better understand emigration.
It was the "European Museum of the Year 2007".
You'll find more information about this on http://www.dah-bremerhaven.de .
This video was made by Raquel Pato and Elisa Álvarez.
Bremen - Water & Picnic
An afternoon playing beachvolleyball, rowing etc. at the Café Sand and Werdersee, which ended with a barbecue organised by the host parents and students.
This video was made by Raquel Pato and Elisa Álvarez.
Bremen - City Tour
This city tour was organised by students of the Europaschule SZ Utbremen. Thank you very much for that nice walking tour through the city.
This video was made by Raquel Pato and Elisa Álvarez.
Bremen - Böttcherstraße
The Böttcherstraße is an old narrow street in the historic center of Bremen where many craftsmen established their factories in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, this tradition continues, so that you can find their many cute Arts and Crafts Shops. But it is also famous for its outstanding medivial architectur, e.g. the Robinson Crusoe House, the House of the 7 Lazy Brothers or the House of the Glockenspiel.
More information at http://www.boettcherstrasse.de .
This video was made by Raquel Pato and Elisa Álvarez.
2/27/10
Festival do Entroido 2010 / Carnival Festival 2010
As every year, we've organised a Carnival Festival at school, on 12th February. Everybody was invited to disguise and participate.
Here you have several photographs of this event. Take a look at them; maybe you recognise people you already know ...
Here you have several photographs of this event. Take a look at them; maybe you recognise people you already know ...
2/25/10
Carnival Mask Contest
The Winners
CARNIVAL 2010
Carnival Masks Contest
· All students can take part.
· Each participant can only present one mask.
· Any technique can be used (beads, paper, colours, etc.)
· Deadline: Wednesday, 12th February at Arts Room
· The High School gets the copyright of the selected masks, which will be shown at the Meeting Room.
Arts Department
by Juliana Ortega Cimiano
2/18/10
The carnivals in Walloony
The " Blancs Moussis" of Stavelot
The Carnivals in Walloony
1. The carnival in Tilff
The carnival in Tilff offers a double nature: it is, at the same time, a street carnival and a procession.
It’s a street carnival if you take into account that:
- in the afternoon, while waiting for the procession, small groups of masked and disguised people nicely worry and tease the audience, inviting the people to join in actively;
- during the procession, some more boisterous people entertain the crowd: they choose people in the audience and make them join in their jokes and tricks;
- in the evening, you’ll see a mass party with the “ cramignon”, especially with the burning of the witch;
- the whole day, children an adults battle with confetti’s.
It’s a procession because of the demonstration of the floats and companies in front of the grand-stand. In the carnival of Tilff, you’ll also find two famous tendencies: an old one which was to entertain the local community and a new one which assures a show.
Finally, Tilf presents an elected Prince, whose clothes are more similar to those of a 16 th century marquis than to those of the Rhenish Princes.
The carnival in Tilff is also influenced by the spirit of Liège. The rebellious spirit is always ready to catch the facts in the news to make jokes, and to mock them.
It’s in a nice way that the inhabitants of Tilff express their feelings. At the carnival of Tilff, you “feel at home”.
2. The carnival in Malmédy
It’s a very old carnival, which is still called “Cwarmê” (or Quarmai), from its old Latin name. The “Cwarmê” lasts four days and takes place just before the Ash Wednesday: from noon on Saturday until midnight on Shrove Tuesday.
A document dated 25 June 1459 refers to Mondays and Tuesdays of the “Cwarmê” but this carnival probably already existed long before that date. On the four Thursdays before the carnival, people disguise themselves. Those Shrove Thursdays are already mentioned in a document dating of 1666, which tells the story of a young girl whose linen mask caught fire.
But in 1695, and many time afterwards, in the 18th and 19th century, the priest-princes banned this carnival. Of course, the inhabitants of Malmédy didn’t agree and went over this banning.
In the 20 th century, there only three pieces of banning; from 1914 to 1919 and from 1940 to 1945, because of the 2 World Wide Wars, but also in 1962, because of a smallpox epidemic.
In the 19 th century, the carnival became more structured with the birth of companies also called “banes” (= bands).
Another very important characteristic of this carnival is that everything which is said or sung at the “Cwarmê” is in Walloon.
3. The carnival of Stavelot
1502: birth of the “Blancs Moussis” (= White Guys)
The reigning priest-prince forbad the religious to join in the popular party. The crowd wanted to refer to the happy and regretted presence of the monks by disguising themselves with clothes that looked like their outfit. After another banning, only one disguise, a white one, will always remind the monastic outfit. A laughing mask and a long nose will complete the outfit.
This legend is now commonly admitted but it took shape in 1947 and structuralized in brotherhoods thanks to Walter Fostier, sometimes called the creator of this pseudo-historical fantasy. Friend of Stavelot and of its folklore, he will create in 1950 a magnificent grant-knighthood.
This decade saw a great folkloric and touristic development. A great amount of associations made of the “Laetare” one of the most important part of the Walloon and European folklore (40000 people in 1954).
The particularity of the “Laetare” of Stavelot is that the whole city took part in its creation. Those associations walk in the streets and create a procession of more than 2000 participants, most of them from Stavelot. One inhabitant out of three joins in actively. Really, Stavelot is the capital city of the “Laetare”.
The carnival of Malmédy
Carnivals and bonfires in Walloony
Carnivals and bonfires in Walloony
Each year Carnivals liven up many places in Walloony. Each one with its own costumes and music. The time before Lent is the scene of colourfoul carnivals.
Bonfires are lit everywhere in Walloony at the end of winter. They are meant to purify and protect the community. Many of them burn ‘Winter Man’ to celebrate revival. The most famous one takes place in Bouge (Namur) where 7 bonfires are lit, which light up the whole valley.
BONFIRES
Bonfires are one of our most ancient customs, that goes back to the dawn of time and has never faded because it still perpetuates today in our villages.
As you know, Celto-German peoples from the North purified through fire and celebrated the spring equinox (on 21st March) by lighting bonfires on the highest hills.
In the Middle Ages, masked Carnival celebrations took place in the Lent time (Latin “Quadragesima”, 40) that lasts from Ash Wednesday till Easter Day and on this occasion, each village lit its bonfire on the Sunday following Shrove Tuesday.
Depending on the community, the custom still exists in many different ways.
The celebration begins with wood collection.
The local festival committee, helped with the youth, collects wood and the ‘tithe’ in the village streets with carts, brass band and ‘strolling bar’. The ‘harvest’ is brought to a given place to set and light the stake.
A pole is pitched in the middle of it and a straw dummy representing ‘Winter Man’ is set on it. On Sunday following Shrove Tuesday, a mascarade procession walks through the streets of the village and at downfall they all gather around the stake.
The newly weds are asked to light the fire and when it blazes up, everybody dances around it on the music of the drums and the band until there is only a pile of red ashes left.
In Sprimont (near Aywaille)
Each year Carnivals liven up many places in Walloony. Each one with its own costumes and music. The time before Lent is the scene of colourfoul carnivals.
Bonfires are lit everywhere in Walloony at the end of winter. They are meant to purify and protect the community. Many of them burn ‘Winter Man’ to celebrate revival. The most famous one takes place in Bouge (Namur) where 7 bonfires are lit, which light up the whole valley.
BONFIRES
Bonfires are one of our most ancient customs, that goes back to the dawn of time and has never faded because it still perpetuates today in our villages.
As you know, Celto-German peoples from the North purified through fire and celebrated the spring equinox (on 21st March) by lighting bonfires on the highest hills.
In the Middle Ages, masked Carnival celebrations took place in the Lent time (Latin “Quadragesima”, 40) that lasts from Ash Wednesday till Easter Day and on this occasion, each village lit its bonfire on the Sunday following Shrove Tuesday.
Depending on the community, the custom still exists in many different ways.
The celebration begins with wood collection.
The local festival committee, helped with the youth, collects wood and the ‘tithe’ in the village streets with carts, brass band and ‘strolling bar’. The ‘harvest’ is brought to a given place to set and light the stake.
A pole is pitched in the middle of it and a straw dummy representing ‘Winter Man’ is set on it. On Sunday following Shrove Tuesday, a mascarade procession walks through the streets of the village and at downfall they all gather around the stake.
The newly weds are asked to light the fire and when it blazes up, everybody dances around it on the music of the drums and the band until there is only a pile of red ashes left.
In Sprimont (near Aywaille)
The bonfire takes place at an essential period on the year: the end of winter, and so the end of the long evenings in front of the fireplace. It represents the beginning of a new season, a new cycle and the resumption of agricultural activities. Soil and men have to regenerate. The bonfire has a purifying and regenarating power. Tradition has it that the ‘macrale’ (a witch) is responsible for all excess and misdeeds humans are victims of.
She is going to be condemned and burnt on the stake. Then she would go back to the afterlife, reconstruct living strength and send it back to humans.
This tradition remains a privileged link with our past and our ancestors. It is an evidence of their life and thoughts. Giving this tradition a fundamental value today means reinforcing the union of our local communities and giving people a cultural identity.
A few weeks before these events, a tractor fitted with a trailer rides through the streets of Sprimont and in the neighbourhood. The ‘fire raisers-to-be’ put on it the Christmas trees and other resinous waste left on the doorsteps. This wood is brought to the Tultay plain and will be used to set the stake. On Saturdays preceding the party, the collected wood is placed around a fifteen meter high pole thanks to a grab.
On the big day, an army of volunteers put up the stands where various delights will be prepared and served: ‘pékèts’, beer, pancakes, glühwein, sausages, soup...
In the background, the ‘macrale’ adorns herself with her finest clothes to live her last moments.
The trial of the ‘Macrale’
As mentioned above, the macrale is responsible for all the illnesses and evils affecting the village, its inhabitants and even the neighbourhood: thefts, fires, misfortunes or calamities, political blunders... She’s got a lot on her conscience!! She’s said to be close to the sort of people (even famous ones) one shouldn’t associate with!!
She’ll be sentenced (in Walloon) for all her evils and noone doubts the sentence will be terrible: the stake! Presumption of guilt exists here!
2/12/10
Preparing our Carnival Festival - Our "Meco"
The "Meco" is something very typical of the Carnival in Ourense. So that we had to have one, too. It is a sort of mascot of our entroido ('carnival' in Galician). Now he hangs at the top of a mast on our schoolyard. From above he witnesses all the carnival happenings at our school.
Here you can see some pictures taken during its elaboration.
The pupils of 4º E together with their teacher Hortensia Alonso were the responsible persons who have prepared our own Meco.
Here you can see some pictures taken during its elaboration.
2/9/10
"A CASA DO TERROR 2009"
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The 3rd edition of “A Casa do Terror 2009” (House of Terror, 2009), a performance-show which has always taken place in our youth centre in Ourense, Casa da Xuventude, and counted with the sponsorship of the Concellaría de Xuventude do Concello (Municipal Council - Department of Youth Services) of Ourense. All in all 40 participants, actors and technicians of different drama groups and audio-visual associations took an active part in its representation from the 18th to 20th december 2009. It was an intense activity. The staging presented an orphanage of girls where surprises, fear and scariness were constant features spectators could experience in each of the various representations. Congratulations to all perfomers!!!!
Here you have some pictures of this event:
Roi López Blanco
The 3rd edition of “A Casa do Terror 2009” (House of Terror, 2009), a performance-show which has always taken place in our youth centre in Ourense, Casa da Xuventude, and counted with the sponsorship of the Concellaría de Xuventude do Concello (Municipal Council - Department of Youth Services) of Ourense. All in all 40 participants, actors and technicians of different drama groups and audio-visual associations took an active part in its representation from the 18th to 20th december 2009. It was an intense activity. The staging presented an orphanage of girls where surprises, fear and scariness were constant features spectators could experience in each of the various representations. Congratulations to all perfomers!!!!
Here you have some pictures of this event:
Roi López Blanco
1/15/10
Interview concerning our COMENIUS Project
We had this interview with the local TV channel, TELEMIÑO, in March 2009.
1/11/10
Handmade greeting cards for Europe!
Handmade greeting cards for Europe!
Belgian students of the third form in social and educational science designed greetings cards for their European partners.They worked with carbon paper, water, colouring pencils and pastels.
Belgian students of the third form in social and educational science designed greetings cards for their European partners.They worked with carbon paper, water, colouring pencils and pastels.
Here is how you can proceed:
1. Do a drawing on a sheet of thin paper or tracing paper,
2. Transfer it on drawing paper by inserting coloured carbon paper (purple, pink or green) between them,
3. You can rub some areas with paraffin wax to create 'spare areas' (areas that would remain light-coloured),
4. Pour water on it in order to dilute the colour. Let it dry on newspaper. Be careful for stains: use gloves and an apron,
5. You can put some finishing touches to your drawing with pastels or coloured pencils (animation, contrasts, readability),
6. Rub your work once again with wax to protect it and make it shine,
7. Centre your drawing with a card. Cut and paste it on any support, a greetings card for example. All you have to do then is find some nice words, write them down on your card, take an envelope and a stamp and let them travel around Europe!
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