ENCOUNTER IN THE LAND O f G i ants ! KOPIERRE, THE FIRST THE TRADITION OF GIANT Kopierre is inspired by Alexandre Joseph Consil, a 2.10 m The giants of Northern France are iconic figures of the worker nicknamed after his famous expression: “Ch’est festive...
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ENCOUNTER IN THE LAND O f G i ants ! KOPIERRE, THE FIRST THE TRADITION OF GIANT Kopierre is inspired by Alexandre Joseph Consil, a 2.10 m The giants of Northern France are iconic figures of the worker nicknamed after his famous expression: “Ch’est festive heritage of the Hauts-de-France region and Belgium. caud, Pierre!” They first appeared in the Middle Ages. These large wicker This drum major was captured during the 1870 war and or wooden effigies were originally paraded during religious later died in Aniche. processions, and later in popular celebrations. Representing The creation of the giant resulted from a dispute with the local, legendary or historical figures, they embody the city of Douai. Its absence from a music festival triggered a identity and collective memory of towns. reaction in the people of Aniche, who, then, founded the Kopierre Committee and launched a local celebration Each giant has its own story, passed down from generation competing with Douai’s Gayant festivit
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