Rice is not just a grain; it has shaped the Camargue region by making the land fertile. Rice cultivation is essential to the Camargue. The supply of fresh water from the Rh\u00f4ne helps maintain the ecological balance between saline environments and freshwater soils, which is essential for the diversity of flora and fauna.<\/p>\n
The ambassador is the daughter of rice farmers. Appointed for a two-year term, she represents Camargue\u2019s rice farming industry.<\/p>\n
The Parades:
\nThroughout the year, neighborhoods, villages, associations, and families work hard and enthusiastically prepare their floats for the parades\u2014colorful processions that also remain true to the traditions of the Arles region, to which everyone feels a strong attachment.<\/p>\n
Celebrate rice in Arles!<\/p>\n
The festivities begin with the ambassador\u2019s arrival via the Rh\u00f4ne River, aboard a lateen-sailed boat, at the Quai Saint-Pierre. Escorted by the gardians, she rides on horseback to Saint-Pierre Church for the blessing of the sheaf of new rice she brings.<\/p>\n
Join the first nighttime parade of floats, accompanied by music, from the Trinquetaille neighborhood to Victor-Hugo Boulevard via Boulevard des Lices.<\/p>\n
Enjoy a second lap, after which the winning float is announced.<\/p>\n
The following Saturday, the Rice Ambassador sets off for the Camargue. Join her at the Sambuc for a day of festivities.<\/p>\n
The 2026 program: <\/p>\n
Friday, the 18th
\n6:30 p.m.: Arrival of the Rice Ambassador via the Rh\u00f4ne River at Quai Saint-Pierre, Trinquetaille.
\nCarried by a rowboat, the Rice Ambassador arrives at the pier, where she is welcomed by the authorities, the Queen of Arles and her Ladies-in-Waiting, and traditional
\nperformance groups. In a procession, surrounded by her guards, the Ambassador proceeds to Saint-Pierre Church. <\/p>\n
7:00 p.m.: Presentation of the sheaf of first-harvest rice to the Rice Brotherhood \u2014 courtyard of Saint-Pierre Church in Trinquetaille
\nBlessing ceremony for the new rice\u2014Saint-Pierre Church <\/p>\n
Saturday, the 19th
\n9:00 p.m.: 42nd Grand Night Parade of the First Harvest of Rice. Parade from Trinquetaille to Boulevard \u00c9mile Combes, via Rue Gambetta and Boulevard des Lices (round trip). <\/p>\n
Sunday, the 20th
\n10:00 a.m.: 42nd Grand Parade of the First Harvest of Rice
\nSame route as on Saturday. At the end of the parade, announcement of the first-place float.<\/p>\n
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Festival of Associations in the Arles Region\u2014Boulevard des Lices
\nInfo: Arles Associations & 04 90 93 53 75 \/ www.arles.asso.fr <\/p>\n
Saturday, October 26: Rice Festival at Sambuc
\n5:00 PM Welcome ceremony for the Rice Ambassador\u2014Place Denis CHANUT
\nProcession to the church for the offering of the first rice sheaf
\n5:30 p.m. Singing by children from the Sambuc school at the church
\n6:30 p.m. Cocktails<\/p>\n
Saturday, October 3
\n6:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony for the Rice First Fruits Parade\u2014by invitation only<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The festival of the first-fruits of rice takes place in September during the harvest and celebrates the work of Camargue rice growers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","label":[],"type_poi":[],"ville":[16],"class_list":["post-263860","evenement","type-evenement","status-publish","hentry","ville-arles"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n