Thousands of Parisians have turned out to pay tribute to those killed in last week’s attacks.
Some lit candles and sang. Some danced in the street. Others held hands in silent contemplation at the Place de la Republique, which has become a central commemoration site for the victims of the Nov. 13 massacre.
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The scene was repeated at the cafes and the concert hall where most of the at least 129 people who lost their lives.
The attacks, claimed by militants from the Islamic State group, occurred Nov. 13 as Parisians enjoyed a Friday night out.
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French artists and cultural figures urged people to respond to the tragedy with an outpouring of “noise and light.”
Dozens of artists, writers, musicians and other cultural figures, including singer Charles Aznavour, journalist Anne Sinclair and former French Culture Minister Jack Lang, urged people to turn on their lights, light candles and play music exactly at 9:20 p.m., the time the attacks began on Nov. 13.
That hope is echoed in many of the hand-written signs and notes left outside the attack sites: defiant messages of love, vows that the slaughter will not turn Parisians toward hatred and suspicion.
At Le Carillon, a note posted on the wall by the bar’s owners offered “profound condolences” to those who lost loved ones, thanked people for their support, and urged unity.
“Courage to you all. Let’s stay united in sorrow, but also in hope for happier – and always fraternal – days,” it said.
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