This Monday, May 8, 2023, holiday, we celebrate the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. Each year, a big commemoration ceremony takes place in Paris and in all the cities of France, with wreath laying and orchestra. In the capital, the commemorations of the victory of May 8, 1945 are traditionally held in front of the war memorials and at theArc de Triomphe. This important ceremony, chaired by Emmanuel Macron, will cause some disruption in the daily life of the capital.
Indeed, during this commemoration ceremony, scheduled for around 11am, the Arc de Triomphe is entirely closed to the public during the morning. To ensure security around the event, several metro stations will be closed on the axis of the Champs-Elysées and demonstrations are prohibited by the prefecture of police in the whole area. The ceremony would be, indeed, "likely to constitute, in the current context of very high threat, a privileged and symbolic target for acts of a terrorist nature".
Other ceremonies are planned for the day in Paris. Wreaths of flowers are laid in front of the monuments to the dead of the 8th, 10th, 13th and 20th districts. Near Paris, the cities of the "Petite Couronne" also organize their commemorations.
Why is May 8 a public holiday in France?
One week after May 1st, May 8th arrives. But do you remember why this day is also a public holiday in France? We tell you. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On May 8th, 2023
Location
Arc De Triomphe
Place Charles-de-Gaulle
75008 Paris 8
Access
Charles de Gaule Etoile metro station
Why is May 8 a public holiday in France?
