At the beginning of the 19th century, many adventurers left the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon valley, in the Alps of Haute Provence, in France, to settle in Mexico. Some came back, others didn’t. Today the region remains linked to this past of splendor that is reflected in its festivals and architecture.
Barcelonette is one of the communes where Mexican heritage is most deeply rooted. And the Day of the Dead, an important date in the calendar of that North American country, is also celebrated here with pomp, color and joy. “Barcelonette transforms itself with the colors of Mexico and teaches the French another (more joyful) approach to death – and that is fascinating”, says Clothilde Chapuis to Sousa Ribeiro, who was there during these festive days. Understand, and tell us everything hereas Barcelonette really is “a piece of Mexico in a little piece of France”.
Here, Andreia Marques Pereira and Paulo Pimenta went to the most distant parish of Monção, Riba de Mouro, which even has “its own language”, and bring us their scraps of rural life. It’s for reading hereslowly, at the pace that life unfolds in that corner of Portugal.
In Lisbon there is a new hotel that is “a center in the center”. Locke Santa Joana is located in an old convent, a stone’s throw from Marquês de Pombal, and is a resort which opens onto the entire city. Between 370 accommodations, two restaurants, seven bars and a museum, there is a lot to discover. Luís J. Santos spent a night there and helps us interpret the Locke-map; Alexandra Prado Coelho went to try the flavors of Santa Joana restaurantwhich marks the return of chef Nuno Mendes to the city.
Have a good weekend and happy escapes!
