The grand reopening ceremony of France’s iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, has been relocated indoors due to an unfavorable weather forecast, the Elysée Palace and the Paris diocese confirmed on Friday.
This decision comes as Météo France predicted wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour, prompting a reorganization of the much-anticipated event.
Originally planned to include an outdoor speech by French President Emmanuel Macron in front of the cathedral, the ceremony will now take place entirely inside the landmark.
The announcement was made by both the Elysée Palace and the Paris diocese in a joint statement, explaining that the severe weather conditions necessitated the shift in plans.
The high winds, they said, made it unsafe to hold the outdoor components of the ceremony, which had been meticulously planned for months.
The reopening marks a significant moment in the history of Notre-Dame, as it follows the devastating fire that ravaged the cathedral in April 2019. The fire caused severe damage to the roof and spire, leading to extensive restoration work.
The ceremony, which commemorates the cathedral’s resurrection, is expected to draw a distinguished crowd, including world leaders, royalty, and celebrities.
Among those invited are Britain’s Prince William, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, and possibly U.S. singer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams, who is rumored to perform at the event.
President Macron’s speech, initially intended to be delivered outdoors, will now be given inside the cathedral, alongside other ceremonial elements.
The move follows negotiations between the diocese and the French presidency, with Macron’s office preferring the speech to occur indoors given the shifting weather conditions.
The outdoor concert, which had been part of the reopening celebrations, will also be impacted by the weather. Organizers confirmed that the artists scheduled to perform on Saturday would instead record their performances live on the evening prior to the event.
These recorded segments will be broadcast during the ceremony, ensuring that the musical elements of the reopening are still featured despite the change in plans.
President Macron, in a televised address on Thursday, highlighted the importance of the cathedral’s restoration as a symbol of resilience. He framed the restoration as a reminder of what the country can achieve, even in the face of great challenges.
“It’s the proof that we’re able to do great things, that we can do the impossible,” he said, drawing a parallel between the efforts to rebuild Notre-Dame and the broader political challenges facing the nation.
The decision to move the ceremony indoors is not the only adjustment made in light of weather concerns. Security measures and logistics have also been reassessed to ensure the safety of those attending, including the dignitaries and public guests.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will take additional precautions as necessary.
The grand reopening of Notre-Dame is a highly symbolic event for the French people, representing not only the restoration of a national treasure but also a triumph over adversity.
As the event moves indoors, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the determination required to overcome them.
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