La Fête du Baiser
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La Fête du Baiser ("festival of the kiss") is a festival, celebrated the Saturday after St. Valentine's Day, in Roquemaure, France near Avignon. Begun in 1989, it commemorates not only Saint Valentine, who locals claim as a former resident, but the arrival of his mortal remains in 1868 to Roquemaure's collegiate church reliquary. Celebrations revolve around a return to a 19th century way of life, including costumes and markets, drawing more than 20,000 visitors.
The relics of St Valentine were purchased in Rome, in hopes of curing the town's diseased vine stocks; within four years they were healed. Today, Roquemaure is home to a winery (Cellar St. Valentine) which produces wines named after the saint.
The festival was started by a local priest, Father Rene Durieu. Men and women around the village dress as priests and nuns, kissing each other, as well as travellers. Special foods and wines are produced especially for the festival.
