FLASH
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A new social phenomenon is attracting thousands of participants in France and is becoming a subject of political debate. Known as banquets géants (giant banquets), these massive dinners gather thousands of people around long tables, where traditional French dishes are served, unlimited wine and folk songs are sung.
Last weekend, one of these activities took place in Colmar, the historic city of Alsace, where around 3,500 people attended a festive evening organized by the company Le Canon Français.
For 81 euros, participants get a four-course menu, unlimited wine and several hours of communal fun. Organizers say the goal is to bring back the French tradition of eating and celebrating in community.
However, the radical left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) has made strong accusations against the organizers. According to it, racist chants and insults towards workers of immigrant origin were recorded at some of these activities.
LFI representatives also argue that the frequent use of pork on the menu creates an atmosphere that excludes Muslims and vegetarians.
The debate has also centered on Pierre-Edouard Stérin, a conservative French billionaire and investor in the organizing company. Stérin is known for supporting right-wing ideas on immigration, national identity and France's Christian heritage.
Emma Fourreau, an MEP for the LFI, stated that accepting Stérin's investiture shows ideological closeness between the organizers and right-wing circles.
On the other hand, the organizers categorically reject the accusations. Le Canon Français co-founder Pierre-Alexandre de Boisse says the activities are only intended to revive an old French tradition and create social spaces at a time when people are spending more and more time in isolation.
"We like to see a lawyer and a baker sitting next to each other talking. That's the spirit of these banquets," he said.
De Boisse denies that the organization promotes any political or discriminatory agenda and emphasizes that participants are forced to accept a code of conduct that prohibits any form of insult or discrimination.
As the controversy continues, the popularity of banquets seems to be growing. For many attendees, they simply represent an opportunity to celebrate with friends, enjoy traditional food, and spend time away from social media and political tensions.
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