Editing Mistral (wind) (section)

== In Provençal culture ==
[[File:Santon in Mistral Wind Arles.jpg|thumb|A traditional Provençal [[Santon (figurine)|santon]], or Christmas creche figure, from Arles, facing the mistral]]
The mistral played an important part in the life and culture of Provence from the beginning. Excavations at the prehistoric site called [[Terra Amata (archaeological site)|Terra Amata]], at the foot of Mount Boron in [[Nice]], showed that in about 40,000 B.C. the inhabitants had built a low wall of rocks and beach stones to the northwest of their fireplace to protect their fire from the power of the mistral.<ref>Henry de Lumley, :''La Grande Histoire des premiers hommes europeens'', Odile Jacob publishers, 2007. Pg. 225.</ref>

The ''[[Mas (Provençal farmhouse)|mas]]'' (farmhouse) traditionally faces south, with its back to the mistral. The bell towers of villages in Provence are often open iron frameworks, which allow the wind to pass through. The traditional Provençal [[Nativity scene]] usually includes a [[Santon (figurine)|figure]] of a shepherd holding his hat, with his cloak blowing in the mistral.

A Fête du Vent (Festival of Wind) is held periodically on the Prado Beach in Marseille.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2018/dec/18/blow-winds-and-crack-your-cheeks-the-mistral-in-pictures-rachel-cobb|title=Blow winds and crack your cheeks - photographing the Mistral by Rachel Cobb|date=18 December 2018|access-date=18 December 2018|website=Theguardian.com}}</ref>