Europe's largest temporary funfair, held from the 31st of March to the 28th of May, attracts an estimated five million visitors every year, this massive event at the Pelouse de Reuilly has roots stretching back to the 12th century - and a gang of pigs terrorising the streets of Paris.

The first Foire dates back to 1131, when a fair selling spice-bread was instigated in the wake of a porcine law reform. Earlier that year, the Dauphin had been riding through the streets of Paris when his horse was charged by a gang of pigs. The prince was thrown from his horse and died, prompting his father Louis Le Gros to ban all pigs from the streets.

Only swine belonging to the disciples of Saint Antoine were exempted, under the condition that they wore a bell around their neck. Once a year, their owners were allowed to sell pig-shaped bread at the Saint-Antoine fair to supplement their income.

The pig-baking tradition died out with the French Revolution, but forains (as the itinerant people who run fairs are known in France) began setting up their rides in the same spot in 1815, before moving to the nearby Place du Trône, whence the fair got its name. The Foire du Trône became a Parisian phenomenon in 1957, when the forains distributed the pig-shaped spice-bread. The pigs caught on and the fair's success saw it move to the larger Pelouse de Reuilly.

Since the 1950s, the event has grown to epic proportions, attracting millions of visitors annually with its daredevil rides and shows. Every year, visitors down enough beer to fill an Olympic swimming pool and over 90 tones of chips. With its flashing lights, pumping music, freak shows and greasy aromas, the Foire du Thrône is a world away from the cultural clichés of the French capital. And sometimes, that is the best thing about it.
 
Source: whatsonwhere.com
 
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