Paris Revives Annual Waiters’ Race Tradition After Decade Hiatus
In a lively and spirited event, Paris brought back a long-standing tradition on Sunday: the annual race of cafe and restaurant waiters. The event, which had been on hold for over a decade due to funding issues, saw about 200 men and women dash 1.2 miles through the city streets, balancing trays laden with a croissant, a glass of tap water, and a small coffee cup.
The contestants, representing some of the city’s most iconic establishments, warmed up with stretches and squats in front of City Hall before setting off on the race. The rules were simple: no running allowed, and the trays had to reach the finish line intact.
Paris officials saw the revival of the race as an opportunity to showcase the city’s vibrant cafe and restaurant culture ahead of the Summer Olympics. With over 15,000 bars, cafes, and restaurants in the city, Parisians take pride in their sit-down-and-take-in-the-scene kind of lifestyle, which has remained resilient despite challenges like the pandemic and worker shortages.
The race, which dates back to the early 20th century, attracted participants from various establishments, including famous cafes like Les Deux Magots and restaurants like La Tour d’Argent. While some competitors were seasoned veterans, others, like Fabrice Di Folco from Chez Savy, were racing for the first time, relying on their day-to-day job as preparation.
The event was not just limited to waiters; anyone working in the service industry, from cafes to hotels, could participate. The top finishers in each category walked away with prizes like hotel stays and fancy restaurant meals, with some even earning tickets to the Olympics opening ceremony.
As the contestants crossed the finish line, judges meticulously checked the integrity of their trays, imposing penalties for any spillage or missing items. Despite the challenges, the race was a celebration of Parisian culture and the unique energy of the city.
For many, the revival of the waiters’ race was a reminder of the rich history and traditions that make Paris a truly special place. As one onlooker put it, the event was “one of those ‘only in Paris’ kind of things.”
