Since the start of the week, the nights of residents of the Plaine district have been disturbed by fireworks. The rockets, most often triggered between midnight and one a.m., burst and crackle in a cascade on Place Jean Jaurès, a large, popular and busy public square in downtown Marseille.
Images are strongly reminiscent of the night riots which broke out throughout France in the summer of 2023 in reaction to the death of Nahel. The authorities deny any installation of a deal point in the surrounding area, explaining that it had organized a police operation last Wednesday intended to “fight against wild fireworks and nuisances” The fireworks have stopped, at least temporarily, but the district will remain under increased surveillance by the Marseille Center Division. The event at the origin of numerous incidents of damage and clashes with the police, was partially banned by the police headquarters this year, even though 9,000 people were still able to join the very close festivities. The Plaine, very lively day and night, is regularly marked by festive events.