The Polenta Festival is celebrated on Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, and this year it took place on Wednesday, February 18. On the Place des Tilleuls you can see seven stone squares and one larger one, which are still used to light the fire that cooks the sauce and the polenta.
Originally, it was a group of village “elders” who prepared the polenta in the square and shared this meal with all the villagers. Belvédère continues every year to uphold this festive and gastronomic tradition, because not everyone can make good polenta, and few villages can rely on the unwavering participation of volunteers who, year after year, ensure the success of this celebration.
The volunteers serve, with efficiency and generosity, a well‑filled plate of polenta accompanied by a fragrant tomato and mushroom sauce, while a line forms in front of the cauldrons. Afterwards, everyone finds a seat at one of the long tables set up in the square for the occasion, and it becomes a cherished moment of sharing for the people of Belvédère. Fifes and drums bring the celebration to life, and traditional songs are sung by the beautiful voices of the village.
Then comes the auction of the Bouaire, which goes to the highest bidder. Each year, Henri Eusébi carves this large boxwood staff, far too beautiful to end up in the cauldron.
