On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the repatriation of French people from Algeria, many of whom settled on the French Riviera, Nice will become, for a weekend, the capital of the Repatriates and the Harkis.
It will also be an opportunity to bring together, beyond all ideologies, men and women whom the whims of history forced to leave the places of their birth and life for other horizons.
Many among them have given their lives a new impetus, all have kept the memory and reminder of their origins alive, also in the minds of their descendants.
Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice: “Meeting again in Nice fifty years after this forced and precipitated exodus that was the Repatriation, and twenty-five years after ‘the unforgettable days’ of June 1987, was essential.
In its tradition as an exemplary welcoming city, Nice Côte d’Azur conducts an active policy in favor of the Repatriate and Harki populations, demonstrating its dedication and sensitivity to their sufferings, their courage, their dynamism, and their considerable contributions to our community, our department, and our nation.”
Eric Ciotti, President of the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes: “1962 represents a key date for understanding the social, cultural, and economic history of the Alpes-Maritimes in the 20th century.
Indeed, our department was a land of refuge and welcome for 60,000 repatriates, these populations scarred by tragic events, forced to leave their homeland, Algeria, in haste.
For now 50 years, repatriates and harkis have strengthened the quality of human relations and contributed to the economic and cultural development of the French Riviera, and more broadly, France.
In this year 2012, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Repatriation, all the inhabitants of the Alpes-Maritimes feel the need to share this History.
-Saturday, June 30
10 AM: Square Alsace Lorraine
• Tribute to the departed, laying of wreaths in front of the repatriates’ memorial stone
• Commemorative march for the Fiftieth Anniversary
Departure from Square Alsace Lorraine, arrival in front of the Mediterranean University Center, Promenade des Anglais
11 AM: Promenade des Anglais, in front of the Mediterranean University Center
• Inauguration of the commemorative work by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis
12:30 PM: Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
• Tribute to the culinary traditions of the three countries (food stands)
• Literature from North Africa with the historical documentation center of Algeria
3 PM: • Conferences at the Matisse Museum Auditorium • Concerts at Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
9:30 PM: Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez, churchyard of the Matisse Museum
• Concert “the great opera arias” by the French Army Choir
Sunday, July 1
-July 1
10 AM: Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
• Tribute to the culinary traditions of the three countries (food stands)
• Literature from North Africa with the historical documentation center of Algeria
11 AM: Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
• Memorial mass with the orchestra and choirs of the Nice opera
2:30 PM: • Conferences at the Matisse Museum Auditorium • Concerts at Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
