August 15, 2009, will mark a somber 68th anniversary for Nice: the anniversary of the martyrs who were shot at Ariane during World War II. This same day will also celebrate the anniversary of the landing of French troops on the Provence Coast.
On this occasion, a commemorative ceremony will take place at the Carré des fusillés at Ariane. Christian Estrosi, Minister in charge of Industry and Mayor of Nice, will be present to honor the memory of these two tragic events. It was indeed on the boulevard of Ariane where more than twenty young people from the region were shot on August 15, 1944, by order of the Geheim Staatspolizei.
The city of Nice will provide a bus for Presidents, Flags, and Patriotic Delegations headed to the Carré des fusillés at Ariane. The meeting point will be at 8:30 AM on the Quai des États-Unis, in front of the Marine Gallery. The return is scheduled for 10:30 AM.
### Celebrations of the Assumption
Christian Estrosi will also visit the Port of Nice on the same day to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in accordance with Niçois tradition. This Catholic feast celebrates the ascension into heaven of the mother of Christ.
The festivities begin at 5:45 PM with the decorated “pointus” (traditional boats) in the Lympia basin and the Admirals. This will be followed by the traditional procession of the statue of the Virgin Mary and an open-air mass on the Customs Quay.
This exceptional celebration demonstrates the religious attachment of the people of Nice to the Virgin Mary. Many places of worship are dedicated to her in Nice (the Church of Notre-Dame du Port, the Basilica of Notre-Dame, and also the Madone de Laguet in the heights of La Trinité).
To end the evening well, you can also enjoy the fireworks opposite the Nice Tourist Office. The appointment is at 10 PM!
