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Since 1947 the people of the Metz area of North-East France have celebrated the Mirabelle Festival or the Fetes dela Mirabelle every year. Who is Mirabelle you might ask and when you know you will find how silly you were to think of Mirabelle as an erstwhile queen or the regions angelic beauty when in reality Mirabelle is just a type of plum? No ordinary plum mind you, this one no bigger than the biggest of cherries is the quintessential celebrity of Metz.
Starting from mid August, the whole town gets together to show their appreciation to this wonder fruit that locals believe to bring fortitude and prosperity to their homes. The festival starts with the appointing of a Mirabelle Queen and her Princes through a local pageant of sorts. Thereafter the town is abuzz with cultural and traditional activities that go on to mark the end of summer in Metz Lorraine.
Locals use Mirabelle plums in a variety of edible and drinkable concoctions that surprise foreigners who thought the fruit was used only to fill tarts and pastries. Jams, preserves, pies and a whole list of gastronomically delightful beverages ranging from the delectable Mirabelle flavoured Eau de Vie or water of life to the classy Mirabelle Champagne can be bought at one of the many stalls that dot the roadsides during festival time.
The sharp burst of flavour from this small yellow juicy fruit makes for interesting baked goods and preserves. The fruit locals say the plum has travelled from Southwest Asia somewhere during the 15th century under the reign of the legendary Alexander the Great.
Celtic Parades, corso flueri floats, dancing balls, pyrotechnic shows, séances, concerts and other cultural activities mark the occasion and increase the tourist interest factor of the destination. Unlike other regional parades almost all the floats in the procession are decorated with fresh flowers regardless of their themes.
Within the Dorlishiem circuit where the festival is actually held you can witness typical German influences in cuisine and culture. The festival also affords pleasant surprises as the Alsace dress parade, bagpipers, drums and folk music performances. Special floats for children are organised most years to create a profound sense of tradition and respect for their roots.
Stalls at the festival, apart from selling Mirabelle Plums and goodies made from them, also offer other specialities of the region such as cheese for instance. The cheese here is something that can tempt you from across the street due to its freshness and delicate flavour and very strong aroma. Craft stalls, basket weavers, barrel makers, wood workers all work to demonstrate their skills to visitors. Local flowers, fresh as well as dried, are also displayed attractively along with other festival related produce.
While Metz holds other equally significant festivals annually, the Mirabelle Festival tops them all as it plays on all five senses of smell, taste, sight, touch and sound in the most memorable ways ever.
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