This Saturday, Paris jubilantly celebrated the reopening of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral, five years after a devastating fire destroyed it and shocked the world.
The opening ceremony, marked by symbolism, music and spirituality, attracted thousands of visitors, including heads of state and government, as well as prominent international and cultural personalities, who gathered to witness the resurgence of this emblematic monument.
The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, presided over the event by knocking three times on the doors of the cathedral with his staff, a gesture that was responded to by the Notre Dame choir from inside. Applause and cheers were also directed to the firefighters who saved the cathedral and the artisans who contributed to its reconstruction.
As part of the liturgy, the choir performed a magnificat and a tedeum, while one of the most emotional moments was the wake up
of the three-century-old organ, dismantled, cleaned and reinstalled as part of the restoration. Monsignor Ulrich invoked the instrument eight times, while four organists responded with masterful improvisations.
The music reached its climax with the participation of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the Venezuelan Gustavo Dudamel. Chinese pianist Lang Lang, South African soprano Pretty Yende and French-Swiss tenor Benjamin Bernheim also gave exceptional performances.
monumental effort
The restoration of Notre Dame was described as a monumental effort
. With a completely reconstructed roof, renovated nave and transept and modern furniture designed by artists such as Guillaume Bardet, as well as the crown of thorns reliquary and a disc of golden crystals with a core of cobalt blue, it is presented as a bold innovation behind the altar.
In the side chapels, visitors were able to appreciate spectacular colors thanks to the meticulous work of hundreds of artisans who used ancestral techniques. Among them, the one dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe stands out, a unique tribute to the Latin American community, which will be celebrated especially on December 12.
Thousands of Internet users followed the reopening of Notre Dame remotely, connecting from different corners of the world to witness this historic event.
Among the prominent figures who attended the reopening ceremony were actress Salma Hayek, model Natalia Vodiánova, actress Carole Bouquet and composer Carla Bruni.
The strict security measures included the deployment of 6,000 agents and an anti-drone device. However, bad weather forced all activities to be moved inside the temple.
Since the laying of its foundation stone in 1163 (861 years ago), Notre Dame has witnessed crucial events in French history. Victor Hugo immortalized it as a symbol of Paris in his 1831 novel. The 2019 fire added a tragic chapter to its legacy, but also inspired a global mobilization that raised more than 900 million euros for its restoration, with contributions from 340,000 donors. , according to local media.
Notre Dame is more than a Parisian or French monument. It is a universal symbol
said historian Damien Berne. Its restoration not only recovers an architectural emblem, but also an emotional reference point in a constantly changing world.
The celebrations, Laurent Ulrich assured, will last for six months
. Built 600 years before the Eiffel Tower, the cathedral welcomes more than 13 million visitors a year.
This Sunday, the monument will open its doors to the public with a mass at 10:30 a.m., in which the altar will be consecrated in the presence of 150 bishops and other guests. In the afternoon, another religious ceremony will be held for 2,500 faithful and Parisian residents.
Starting December 14, those interested will be able to reserve free tickets online to visit the cathedral. Although high demand is expected, access promises to be a unique experience for those who wish to reconnect with this symbol of faith and culture.
At the end of the ceremony in the temple, the guests were received at the Elysée Palace for an honorary banquet.