DUBAI, October 3, 2021 (WAM) – France kicked off the Expo 2020 Dubai National Day celebrations on Saturday with a host of spectacular activities, including a video message from astronaut Thomas Pesquet broadcast from the Space Station international (ISS) and admiration – an inspiring aerobatic demonstration by the famous Patrouille de France of the French Air Force.
Paving the way for the 192 countries participating in the six-month celebration, France is the first to hold its national holiday, celebrating the country’s people, places, businesses, innovations and cultures, and helping to inspire new ways to think and international collaboration.
A delegation from France, including its Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the Minister for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness Franck Riester, attended the festivities.
Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “It is an honor to be with you today to celebrate the first Feast. National Expo 2020, the National Day of the French Republic.
“As a leader in the global transition to a sustainable future, France has spearheaded key global commitments such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the One Planet initiative, as well as countless key efforts, and the French Pavilion reflects this. A unique representation of sustainable design, 80% of the pavilion’s energy is self-generated, and its theme, ‘France, Lightspeed Inspiration’, embodies France’s vision and highlights its many successes in the transition to l ‘eco-responsible innovation and user-oriented mobility solutions. ”
Erik Linquier, Commissioner General of France at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “This exceptional day is a great opportunity for France to present its artistic and cultural diversity to an international audience. The France Pavilion is a showcase of unique and daring French innovations and creations. , all in areas that make the history of humanity a history of progress. ”
France’s National Day celebrations took place across Expo 2020 Dubai, with main activities taking place at Al Wasl Plaza, including a 15-minute exchange between famous astronaut and France Pavilion Ambassador Thomas Pesquet and the French delegation in Dubai. Pesquet, who returned to space in April 2021, is on his second six-month stay on the ISS.
The legendary Patrouille de France, the French Air Force aerobatic team, painted the sky blue, white and red during a dynamic aviation demonstration over the Expo. The unit traditionally opens the July 14 military parade in Paris and is considered one of the best in the world.
Other performances throughout the day and at the Expo site included double beatbox world champions Berywam; company of waders La Zizanie; and GrimeLove, a breathtaking choreography by Cécilia Bengolea and François Chaignaud, performed by an ensemble from the Ballet National de Marseille.
Children were delighted by Monsieur Sigrid, a mad hatter who dressed visitors in an eye-catching headgear in the colors of the French flag, while students from seven French schools in the United Arab Emirates took part in a parade to highlight before a message of universality and highlight the story. of France.
The National and Honor Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are times to celebrate each of its more than 200 international participants, highlighting their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each includes a flag raising ceremony on the Nations Stage at Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.
France has a long tradition of hosting World’s Fair, organizing six in Paris, including the second World’s Fair in 1855. The Eiffel Tower was built for the Universal Exposition of 1889 in Paris, and France is home to the governing body of the Universal Exhibitions, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
The France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is located in the Mobility District. He seeks to explore light as a catalyst for progress, a vector of connections and a source of creativity. Designed as a link between France’s proud universal heritage and a more inclusive world today, it offers solutions to build a more sustainable and resilient world, in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Visitors are transported to a sparkling, Monet-inspired vision of the country’s sustainable future. The visitor experience revolves around light, and this unifying theme has been present since the start of the project, both in the architecture of the pavilion and in its programming of exhibitions and events.
Jessica Préalpato – Pastry Chef of Restaurant Alain Ducasse and named Best Pastry Chef in the World in 2019 by the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards – and astronaut Pesquet are the ambassadors of the France Pavilion, selected for their humanitarian commitments. The duo embody daring and the French art of living: values that the pavilion aims to highlight.
One of the first global mega-events to take place since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 invites visitors from around the world to join in creating a new world until March 31, 2022 , as part of a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
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