The epidemic context does not prevent some French people from meeting on Friday evening for Neighbors' Day, where gatherings are allowed.
Europe 1 went to the 17th arrondissement where the event took place in strict compliance with barrier gestures.
REPORTAGE
While health restrictions are increasing in many cities due to the coronavirus, some do not forget Neighbors Day, celebrated this Friday, September 18.
In the rue de Gauthey, in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, the inhabitants gathered in small groups.
Bottles of hydroalcoholic gel have invaded the tables and guests are invited to keep their masks as much as possible.
In previous years, up to 700 people could meet for Neighbors Day in the same street.
At the microphone of Europe 1, Nicolas, one of the organizers, admits that it was a question of canceling the event for a while: "We decided to keep it because people are asking us to do so. [ They] need this solidarity, to feel united. "
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"Under the sign of solidarity"
Loulou, the caretaker behind the party, recognizes that the Covid has shaken up her organization.
However, she praises the presence of some security agents responsible for monitoring the gathering "to educate people, not to punish them," she said.
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Sébastien, a resident of the street, helps set up the last tables.
He intends to take advantage of this moment to meet those who live near his home: "We have all the protections, that will change a bit: a Masked Neighbors Festival."
Little embarrassed by the health context, he underlines the importance of moments of cohesion like this one: "I have the impression that the Covid brings us back under the sign of solidarity, we are all equal behind our masks."
But Sébastien knows there will probably be fewer people this year than usual.
At the very beginning of the party, they were only about twenty to meet in the rue Gauthey.