Eight years after the attack on the Promenade des Anglais, the city of Nice does not forget. This Monday, July 14, 2025, the national holiday began with a moment of remembrance for the victims, before giving way to the traditional republican parade.
This morning on the Promenade des Anglais, the national holiday began in silence and emotion. At 8:30 a.m., in front of the Hotel Le Royal, the people of Nice paid tribute to the 86 victims of the attack on July 14, 2016. A poignant ceremony took place in the presence of the mayor, Christian Estrosi, bereaved families, and local victims’ associations “Promenade des Anges,” “Mémorial des Anges,” “Life for Nice,” and “Une voie des enfants.”
In front of the artwork L’Ange de la Baie, flowers were laid. A violin-double bass duo softly accompanied the solemn reading of the victims’ names. As each first name was read, a light would turn on. Some families, with tears in their eyes, laid white roses in memory of their loved ones. The emotion was palpable, eyes were lowered, and silences were eloquent.
A Republican Parade as a Sign of Resilience
At 9:45 a.m., the commemoration gave way to republican unity. The parade began with the passage of military personnel, followed by firefighters, police officers, gendarmes, and rescuers. Some were accompanied by their faithful four-legged companions, others on horseback, adding a spectacular touch to the event. The parade concluded with a beautiful moment for the public: an equestrian demonstration greeted with hearty applause.
The mayor, Christian Estrosi, surrounded by elected officials, greeted each representative of the engaged forces, as a sign of recognition. An orchestra, likely from the Guard services, accompanied the ceremony with republican tunes, reinforcing the solemn but calm atmosphere of the morning.
At the end of the day, the Théâtre de Verdure is set to welcome the public for a concert by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra. A gentle and symbolic way to close this very special day, blending remembrance, homage, and collective resilience.
