More than 500,000 visitors remain expected in Montpellier this week as Michaël Delafosse maintains the Cœur de ville en lumières festival despite recurring downtown protests.
Saturday demonstrations in the city center have sparked concerns regarding potential vandalism against the temporary light installations. Local authorities have deployed security personnel across the eight historical sites hosting the projections.
“Ce n’est pas la minorité qui bafoue la loi qui fait la loi,” said Michaël Delafosse, according to Echo des Tribunes on Thursday, November 12.
The three-day cultural event showcases artistic light displays across the historic core. Organizers have emphasized the educational aspect of the projections, which feature work created throughout the year by local students in academic institutions.
“Avec les services de police, que je salue, les dispositifs sont protégés. Mais on ne va pas arrêter un événement parce qu’une minorité veut le menacer,” Delafosse told Echo des Tribunes. He added, “Si quelqu’un s’en prenait au dispositif, je ne doute pas qu’ils trouveront la fermeté qui s’impose. On ne saccage pas les fêtes.”
The municipal administration aims to balance public safety with support for local downtown businesses during the busy holiday shopping season. City hall maintains that the right to demonstrate does not conflict with the shared enjoyment of public festivities.
“C’est un grand événement populaire, fédérateur, qui fait du bien aux gens,” Delafosse said to Echo des Tribunes, noting that the vast majority of demonstrators harbor no intention of disrupting the displays.
Cœur de ville en lumières runs through Saturday, November 14.
