My Welcome Party.

Okay so it's not really my welcome party. The village of Fourqueux throws an annual "end of summer" party on the first Saturday of September (my first weekend in France) so I consider this my welcome party.

There's a huge stage, market and tables set up in the town square where they hold a concert of local bands. It's a chance for the community to party together before the summer ends. They sell beer and pastries for everyone to enjoy while listening to music. It's truly an event for the whole family.

After the concert, they started handing out lanterns to the kids (and young adults apparently) although I had no idea why. After everyone had one, we all started parading down the street (at almost midnight) led a funk marching band. I was seriously so confused. Apparently this is tradition for the locals but I was not expecting any of it. We paraded through the neighborhood with our lanterns and enjoying the music.

After a solid march, we stopped at the football field and all climbed a hill to sit on. We waited for everyone to get comfortable and then, on the field below, they lit fireworks.

Now the fireworks in France are done a little differently. They're set up much closer, and they're set to a musical backdrop. They fireworks display is played in tandem with songs and is so gorgeous. It's a true masterpiece. I've thoroughly enjoyed this. It was beautifully done and I fell in love with the country, the town, and the community.