Food Culture: The Allure of Picnics Remains and Continues to Evolve
From Backyard Barbecues to Luxury Boat Picnics: The Evolution of Picnics
Picnics, once a simple outdoor meal shared among family and friends, have transformed into a diverse and sometimes commercialized experience in the 21st century.
In the city of Rennes, picnics remain a friendly and generous affair, with three barbecues provided by the city for large and fragrant grilled meats. For Alexis Lemaire, a picnic-goer in Rennes, the pleasure lies in the opportunity to gather in large groups, meet new people, and exchange ideas. Along the canal, many people enjoy impromptu picnics during the summer, making the most of the warm weather.
However, for some, picnics have become more extravagant. Aurélie Bernos, a mother, and her family are going on a more expensive and unusual picnic: a picnic in Paris on the Canal de l'Ourcq. Their picnic boat comes equipped with seats, a barbecue in the middle, picnic baskets, and even a cost of 250 euros for two hours.
This evolution of picnics reflects a transformation from modest outdoor meals to sophisticated, often commercialized experiences. In the 21st century, the picnic has been used as a political argument and now inspires influencers. The picnic has even become a service sold on social networks to attract customers seeking originality.
Historically, picnics have been occasions for socializing, as reflected in events such as the annual town picnic and concert in Oxford, Massachusetts, or commemorative picnics like that marking the 150th anniversary of Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey. These illustrate the enduring social and cultural importance of picnics.
In contemporary times, the picnic experience often incorporates services such as event planning, catering, and entertainment, sometimes organized through social networks and digital platforms that facilitate marketing and sales. This commercial aspect leverages social media to create and promote curated picnic experiences, combining outdoor leisure with convenience and lifestyle branding.
Though the search results do not directly describe the full commercial evolution of picnics, a clear trajectory can be inferred: from simple, homemade meals outdoors, to organized public and private events, to present-day service-based offerings sold and coordinated through social network channels and other online platforms. This mirrors broader trends in leisure and hospitality where social media plays a key role in connecting consumers with tailored experiences.
For Daniel Becht, the family's father, the picnic on the boat is enjoyable because they can eat together as a family in nature. He adds that everything tastes different on board a boat, a testament to the unique charm of picnics, whether simple or extravagant.
References:
- Picnic in Rennes
- Annual Town Picnic and Concert in Oxford, Massachusetts
- Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital 150th Anniversary Picnic
- The Evolution of Picnics
- Aspicuous picnics, such as the one on the canal in Paris with its boat and meal service, have become a popular lifestyle choice, providing a unique dining experience for those willing to pay.
- In the realm of home and garden, contemporary picnics have expanded beyond personal outdoor-living spaces, now incorporating event planning and catering services.
- Beyond the traditional family barbecue, picnics have evolved into a political and cultural statement, with some to take the experience to a grander level, even incorporating branding and marketing strategies for food-and-drink presentations.
