Goguette facts for kids
A Goguette was a special kind of singing club found in France and Belgium. The people who joined these clubs were called goguettiers. Goguettes were places where people could sing songs, both by themselves and in groups. They were also fun spots for drinking, meeting friends, and having a good time.
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What Was a Goguette?
A goguette was a club focused on singing and having fun. Members would often meet in cafés or restaurants. For a small fee, they could sing their favorite songs in public. Sometimes, they would even sing songs they had written themselves!
A Look Back in Time
The idea of goguettes started a long time ago, around 1729. The very first one was called the "Société du Caveau" in Paris. It was started by a poet and songwriter named Pierre Gallet. However, goguettes became most popular much later, between 1818 and 1900. You can still find some goguettes even today!
Where Did Goguettes Meet?
In the early 1800s, goguettes usually met in local cafés and restaurants. These clubs were a place for people to sing, socialize, and enjoy themselves. They often had a formal structure, with meetings, officials, and even written notes of their gatherings.
The songs sung at goguettes often focused on fun topics like eating and drinking. But people also sang important songs about politics and society. Because of this, the authorities sometimes watched the goguettes closely.
Who Joined a Goguette?
Goguettes were generally open to everyone. Men, women, and even children from any social background could join. However, they often attracted men who could read and write, especially those who were skilled workers, like artisans.
These clubs were not just in Paris. You could find goguettes in many other French cities like Bordeaux, Marseille, Rouen, and Toulouse. They were even found in smaller towns and countryside areas. Some famous goguettes in Paris had funny names, like the "Gnoufs-Gnoufs" or "Poulet sauté" (which means "fried chicken")!
See also
- Eugène Imbert
- Guinguette
- Café-chantant
