Ten years have passed since the tragic terrorist attack that struck the city of Nice on 14th July 2016, claiming 86 lives and injuring hundreds. As the city approached its annual commemoration, the community gathered on Sunday 12th July for a solemn, participative march along the Promenade des Anglais.
Organised in close collaboration with the victims’ associations—’Promenade des Anges’, ‘Mémorial des Anges’, ‘Life for Nice’, and ‘Une voie des enfants’—the march served as a collective time for tribute and reflection. The journey began at 9am near the Lenval Hospital, proceeding to the Jardin Albert Ier, where participants laid white roses to honour those lost.
Voices of remembrance
The march remained a crucial tradition for those seeking to pay their respects. Reflecting on the heavy atmosphere, attendee Alexandre N. told Monaco Life: “Coming here is a necessity. It is deeply moving and brings back so many memories, but we gather to stand in honour of those no longer with us. To forget them is not an option.”
For the families affected, the event provided a vital sense of community. Reflecting on the impact, participants noted that finding support and connection with others is a key part of moving forward and building resilience in the face of such tragedy.
Salwa, who attends the commemoration every year out of respect for those lost and the families grieving their loved ones, shared her experience of the trauma with us, saying: “Some memories never fade—they are permanently seared into our minds.”
A legacy of quiet dignity
Following the tribute to the firefighters, the procession stopped at the L’Ange de la Baie memorial statue, created by Jean-Marie Fondacaro, where wreaths were laid. The tribute included the participation of the Mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, alongside victims’ families and representatives of local associations.
The march then continued toward the Jardin Albert 1er, a path marked by shared silence and mutual support. Upon arrival, the atmosphere shifted into a space of quiet, profound reflection. Families of the deceased and members of the public approached the music kiosk to place white roses, a gesture of grace underscored by the delicate, peaceful melodies of a harpist. Throughout the verdant expanse of the garden, photographs of the victims were displayed among the trees—each portrait serving as a poignant, personal reminder of the vibrant lives that were tragically cut short.
As the formal procession concluded, the Jardin Albert 1er remained open to the public throughout the remainder of the day. This extended window provided citizens, visitors, and those still grieving the opportunity to return to the heart of the city to pay their respects. Within this sanctuary of silence, the community reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the memory of the victims alive, ensuring that even a decade later, the bonds of solidarity remain unbroken.
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Main photo: Memorial march in tribute to the victims of the 14th July 2016 terrorist attack. Credit: Virginia D’Umas