Le Karnaval des gueux, in 2013. -
N. Bonzom / Maxele Presse
The prefecture issued an order on Thursday to prohibit, because of the Covid-19 epidemic, the holding of two carnivals, scheduled for Saturday in Montpellier (Hérault).
A demonstration, called "Libert'air", is announced in Peyrou, while another, "Karnaval", was to take place on the Esplanade de l'Europe at the same time, indicates the prefecture.
This second event, according to the state services, refers to the "Karvanal des gueux", which, in recent years, has turned into a clash between the participants and the police, in the city center of Montpellier.
"Crowds of people"
According to the decree published by the prefecture, these demonstrations "would provoke gatherings of people favoring (...) the spread of the virus".
On February 17, despite its ban, the traditional Fête des Pailhasses was held in Cournonterral, a small village near Montpellier.
A few days later, in the town, the incidence rate jumped from 200 to 704 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
On March 21, in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), a carnival brought together some 6,500 people, despite the health rules in force against the coronavirus.
Miscellaneous
Marseille: Members of La Plaine sans frontières heard by police after undeclared carnival
Miscellaneous
Coronavirus in Marseille: Elected representatives of the majority were present at the Plaine carnival
Languedoc-Roussillon
Covid 19
Carnival
Montpellier
Coronavirus
Society