No pass, no July 14 military parade on Wednesday. The Paris police headquarters announced Monday that “given the epidemic situation, several health measures will be mandatory for spectators of the parade, whether they are attending the festivities in the stands or along the avenue des Champs-Elysées”. Among them in particular: the compulsory possession of a health pass.
“Each person must be provided with one of the three proofs (a complete vaccination schedule, a negative test or a test proving a recovery from Covid-19, Editor’s note) constituting the” health pass “to enter the perimeter of the parade” . Wearing a mask will be compulsory. In addition, “a gauge will be applied to regulate the access of people along the avenue des Champs-Elysées”. The prefecture recommends that spectators arrive on site in advance to maximize their chance to enter the parade perimeter.
Searches, pat-downs and metro closure
In addition, a protection perimeter will be set up from 6.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the areas of the Champs-Elysées, Concorde and the National Assembly. Within this perimeter, “the access and movement of people will be regulated with the obligation to undergo a visual inspection of baggage and its search as well as security pat-downs and vehicle inspection”.
Metro stations and shops will be closed in this area. The circulation of motor vehicles will be prohibited.
25,000 people in the stands
In 2020, the parade format had been replaced by a restricted ceremony on the Place de la Concorde. The absence of a parade in France on July 14 was a first since the end of World War II. This year, the European troops of the Takuba force in the Sahel, on which Paris is counting to reduce its own presence there, will be in the spotlight.
The stands are expected to accommodate around 25,000 people. The parade will mobilize 5,000 participants, including 4,300 soldiers on foot, 71 planes, 25 helicopters, 221 vehicles and 200 horses of the Republican Guard.