By Fred Iwenjora
With Nigeria’s participation, Africa is for the first time in history getting full representation at the yearly de foire aux escargots (festival of Snails) beginning later today in Martigny Les Bains, a serene community in France.
De foire aus escargot has long been recognized by the people of the French commune located in the Vosges department in Grand Est of northeastern France as an instrument of unity for the people.
Martigny Les Bains is bordered by Contrexeville and the bigger industrial community of Vittel.
The Mayor of Martigny Les Bains Didier Humbert had told me during a visit of how the abundance of Snails found around the area created the festival which has grown bigger every year.
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This is the first time Africa will feature in the festival with 50 years of history behind it.
Nigerian born Joy Osunde Osagie whose organisation Alele Foundation is flying Nigeria’s flag at the event disclosed that “This year’s festival of Snails will be different because of Nigeria’s participation.
According to her, Nigeria’s stand will have peppered snail as well as other African dishes, African music and arts and cultural exhibitions etc.
She said the Nigerian stand expects to host Africans and their French friends from as far as Metz and Nancy to join in giving Africa a pride of place at 50 edition of the festival running from 10-12 May, 2024.
Already the serene community is fully decorated from the train station through the major roads and streets with families and friends planning full attendance during the opening ceremony this evening.
