The Waiters' Race

The first Waiters’ Race – La Course Des Garçons de Café – took place in Paris in the 1920s. Waiters, in proper waiting attire, rushed to the finish line carrying a tray of glasses. The aim was to get there without breaking a glass or spilling a drink. 

Paul Louis

After a hiatus, the race returned to Paris in 2011. Here is a video of the historic event. Sponsored by Orangina, the event attracted thousands of spectators and hundreds of participants. 

The race started from the magnificent Place des Vosges in the Marais district. It’s the oldest and, in my humble opinion, most beautiful square in Paris. Built by King Henry IV in the early 16th century, la Place des Vosges is perfectly square and strikingly symmetrical. Thirty-six red-brick-and-white-stone buildings border the square, and their steep slate roofs, dorm windows, and arcades will charm the most jaded of visitors.

Anastasia Petrova / Shutterstock.com

Just like in the 1920s, the participants of the 2011 edition wore starched white shirts, bowties, aprons, and shiny black shoes. They walked as fast as possible (a Parisian waiter NEVER runs), holding a loaded wooden tray. On the tray, they carried a bottle of Orangina (OK, Orangina didn't exist until the 1930s, but that’s a minor detail) and two full glasses. The objective was to beat the competitors to the finish line without spilling the contents of the tray. 

The 2011 event has inspired the waiters’ race in Under My Skin, which was won by the bistro La Bohème. 

Mais bien sûr. 

In recent years, the tradition has spread throughout the world including London, Washington, Abu Dhabi, Chicago, Berlin, Hong Kong City, Antananarivo, and Buenos Aires. You can find out more about the Waiters’ Race and watch dozens of videos here.