Paris’s traditional outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration on the Champs-Elysees will happen this year, but will be a much more low-key affair than in the past. In the aftermath of last month’s terror attacks, there had been thoughts it would be canceled.
It will be a very different event, with no fireworks (for fear they might spark panic) and security measures to control crowds and keep too large a crowd from forming around the Arc de Triomphe. In place of the fireworks, there will be a 10-minute light show projected on the arch at 11:50 pm.
Mayor Ann Hidalgo told JDD magazine that “we have decided to mark the change of year in a reflective and sober way.” She also described the event as a sign that “we won’t give in.” The event has been approved by the Interior Ministry and the police; Paris, and all of France, are still under a state of emergency imposed after the attacks on Nov. 13th.
Last year’s event drew about 650,000 participants; it seems likely that this year’s will draw fewer, as many people remain nervous about possible attacks.
