'We will stand against it': Bastille Day celebrations in Winnipeg continue in light of Nice attack

Music sounded in Winnipeg's St. Bonifaceon Thursdayas members of the French community gathered tocelebrate their culture and support each other afterlearningmore than 80 people were killed in Nice, France hours earlier while doing the same.

• Truck plows into Bastille Day crowd in Nice, France, at least 80 dead

Alan Nobili,director ofAllianceFranaise in Winnipeg, comes from Paris.

While he and others who gathered on Thursday were sad to learn of the Nice attack, he said it did not stop them from rejoicing in the Bastille Day celebrations.

"We will go on fighting. We will go on partying. We will go on sharing our values because we think that they are good to the world," he said as mini-sized France flags waved behind him and people sampled cheese and wine.

France's most recent tragedy, Nobili said, was not a focus at the party.

"My first reaction is, 'No. Not again. Not so soon.' But, the life goes on," he said.

"We are also happy to be French and to have so many friends all around the world and in Manitoba. So, we are partying, even if it's tough inside."

Plus, Nobili said, the news was not surprising.

"This is just tragic. It's weird to say, but we are starting togetting used to this and we will stand against it," he said before rejoining others to celebrate the French national holiday.

Bastille Day became France's national holiday in 1880, according to Nobili.

"It's to remember the revolution and the fact that we are free and equal for eternity," he said.

The province sent out a statement late Thursday evening offering its condolences.

"My heart goes out to the dozens of innocent victims of today's terror attack in Nice, France," wrote Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson.

"France holds a special place in the hearts of manyManitobansand I know that all citizens of our province, bothfrancophoneandnon-francophone, join me in condemning this senseless and horrific attack on innocent civilians celebrating Bastille Day."

"The thoughts and prayers of allManitobansare with the people of France at this very difficult time."

'We will stand against it': Bastille Day celebrations in Winnipeg continue in light of Nice attack

8 years ago

Duration 0:31

Members of the French community gathered to celebrate their culture and support each other after learning more than 80 people were killed in Nice, France hours earlier while doing the same.