Nice cancels fireworks out of respect to 2016 victims
Nice has cancelled its traditional 15 August fireworks show, in respect to the victims of last year’s terrorist attack.
The city’s Mairie (town hall) and mayor, Christian Estrosi, issued a statement explaining that the usual fireworks - which traditionally celebrate Assumption Day on the Promenade des Anglais - the seaside scene of the 2016 attack - will not take place.
Instead, a lower-key festival will happen on the nearby Promenade du Paillon, which is said to be easier to secure.
This will include concerts, entertainment events, games of petanque, and street art shows, but “the pain is still fresh when it comes to the victims”, the Mairie explained, so no fireworks will be lit.
There will still be fireworks offered at various nearby shows, including tonight’s event at the festival of pyrotechnic art in Cannes.
The Promenade des Anglais has largely been off-limits to celebrations or events following the attack of July 14, 2016, when a Tunisian terrorist drove a van at high speed into the crowd just as the fireworks began.
Claimed by Islamic State, the attack killed 86 people and injured 400 others.
Nice also cancelled its July 14 fireworks this year, as a sign of respect to those killed.
