Why are there no events during the month of August in Antibes?

These statements are surprising in their honesty. After the Nuits Carrées festival and Humor on the Beach in June, then Jazz à Juan in July, "the City will not be offering any large-scale events, apart from the fireworks of the pyromélodic festival (1) during the month of August" , assumed the mayor of Antibes Juan-les-Pins, Jean Leonetti, during the last security briefing alongside Commissioner Jean-Robert Robin.

This decision, which may seem paradoxical at the height of the tourist season, was taken in consultation with the services of the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture and all the police forces.

One way to avoid overloading staff, already under heavy strain during this period deemed risky: "We don't want to put them in difficulty by increasing the number of events bringing together large crowds."

Above all, this is not a new thing. At the Cité des Remparts, already at the "maximum" reception threshold during this period, this protocol has been "in place for several years and is based on a logic of responsibility and coordination with the security authorities" .

Divergent opinions

The idea that tourism alone would be enough to keep the Antibes economy going makes Élisabeth Lizzani roll her eyes.

"I've never really understood this reasoning ," says the vice-president of the Juan-les-Pins traders' association. "I think it's a shame that no major cultural events are organized."

While this summer lull would have "no impact" on store cash registers, it is the image of the seaside resort that concerns Elisabeth above all: "We must make it shine!"

In the old town, the conversation is quite different. "The museums are running at full capacity, there are fireworks and four days of street sales. It's no small feat," says Carine Bonnuccelli, president of the Antibes Cœur d'Azur Federation.

She also welcomes the priority given to security: "It is still the primary mission of the town hall, before entertainment. It is then up to us to be a driving force in brightening up the streets."

“There’s a lot going on in August!”

A comment that would not be denied by the tourist and convention office, which vigorously defends its summer programming (2): "The events calendar remains very dense during this summer month!"

Highlights include the Summer Marching Bands, Jammin' Summer Sessions, and of course the fireworks festival, as well as the vendor sale. "A host of events are organized. [...] They're all equally important, and each one finds its audience."

1. Pyromusical festival on August 7, 14, 21 at 10 p.m. in the bay of Juan-les-Pins and on August 24 along the seaside road between Fort Carré and the beaches of La Brague.

2. Find the agenda on "The month in Antibes": https://www.antibesjuanlespins.com/antibes-pratique/telechargez-nos-guides .