Dominique Corolleur's blog

The campaign for the reunification of Nantes and Loire Atlantique with the rest of Brittany continues to gain pace. The French establishment remains determined to keep the Loire Atlantique separated from other areas in Brittany. This separation was undertaken against the wishes of the Breton people in 1941 by the Vichy regime. With the regional reorganisation currently being discussed by the French government a golden opportunity to correct this wrong is being missed.

On the night of 13/14 February 1974 the TV transmitter on Roc'h Trédudon in Plounéour-Ménez was destroyed. At the time this action was claimed by the Liberation Front of Brittany (FLB), one of a number of groups who were campaigning for greater autonomy or the independence of Brittany from France.  On Sunday June 8th 2014 about 600 people commemorated the event by walking from the square of Plounéour-Ménez to Roc'h Trédudon.

The new suggested map of the regions has now been published and as suspected the perfect opportunity for the reunification of Brittany has been dismissed by French President François Hollande. Ever since the announcement of a reform of the French regions, hopes have been high that Nantes and the Loire-Atlantique would be reunited with the rest of Brittany. They were separated by the Fascist Vichy regime in 1941 and by failing to redress this atrocity François Hollande has by his actions confirmed that decision.

Last month saw a demonstration of over 10000 people in Nantes for the reunification of Brittany. This was part of an ongoing campaign for Breton reunification. The former capital City Nantes and the department of Loire Atlantique were split from Brittany in 1941 without the consent of the Breton people. Political and cultural organisations throughout Brittany are calling for demonstrations in support of reunification today and the days ahead.  

Ar Redadeg is a relay race that takes place every two years across the nation of Brittany. It is designed as a celebration, promotion and to raise funds for the Breton language. There are only six Celtic languages spoken in the world today- Breton, Cornish, Welsh, Irish, Manx and Scottish Gaelic. Breton is now the only Celtic language spoken on continental Europe. 

Fête de la Bretagne week is celebrated by Breton’s in Brittany and around the world. It is a celebration of Breton culture in the lead up to St Yves Day. St Yves' Day on 19th May is celebrated on the date of the death of Saint Yves. Saint Yves was born on 17th October 1253 at Kermartin in Brittany. He graduated in civil law and became a lawyer and judge who was famous for defending the poor without taking payment. Saint Yves was ordained in 1284 and when he retired from law in 1287 became a preacher.

On May 1st at Saint Malo Cathedral in Brittany a concert will be held beginning at 20:30. Featuring the music of Antoine de Févin the funeral service and speeches made at the 1514 funeral of Anne of Brittany will be given. This comes after the highly successful concert given at Nantes Cathedral on 5 April. This year 2014 marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Anne of Brittany.

The successful and peaceful demonstration of over ten thousand people in Nantes on 19th April can leave no doubt that there is a strong desire for the reunification of Brittany. Loire-Atlantique needs to take its rightful position within the ancient Celtic nation of Brittany, from which it should never have been split. The good natured rally saw a sea of Breton flags and banners in what was one of the biggest shows of support for reunification, with people from all sections of Breton society taking part.

The scene is set for a large rally in support of the reunification of Brittany to be held tomorrow the 19th April 2014 in Nantes. Support has poured in from cultural and political organisations throughout Brittany and also beyond with The Celtic League also expressing solidarity (see the information from their website below).

Along with other organisations and groups in Brittany Le Parti Breton (The Breton Party) has called for a large show of support for a rally in support of the reunification of Brittany. The rally will take place in Nantes - Naoned. The city of Nantes and the Loire-Atlantique Department in which it is situated were formerly part of the historic nation of Brittany. Loire-Atlantique, although culturally, historically and geographically united to Brittany, was split from the other four departments by the Vichy regime in 1941.