Nathalie Koenders, mayor of Dijon, will invite Dijon residents over 70 years old for the traditional Christmas meal, organized this Thursday December 19 and Friday December 20, 2024 at 12 p.m., at the Dijon Exhibition and Congress Center. This emblematic event, initiated by the City of Dijon and its Municipal Social Action Center (CCAS) in 2004, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
This 2024 edition welcomes a total of 2,700 participants: 1,450 people today and 1,250 tomorrow, i.e. 400 more guests than the previous year. To orchestrate this major event, 120 municipal agents and 35 CCAS volunteers were mobilized. In addition, middle school students from the Roland Carraz and Saint-Bénigne establishments, as well as students from the hotel section of the Saint-Bénigne high school, actively participate in serving meals, illustrating a fine example of intergenerational solidarity.
In addition to the meals, the City of Dijon has also planned 6,150 Christmas packages for its seniors. Among them, 4,800 were handed over at the beginning of December to the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin. The remaining 1,350 will be delivered directly to the homes of people who cannot travel, from the start of 2025.
For two decades, this event has embodied the values of conviviality and solidarity dear to the City of Dijon. By bringing together the elders of the commune around a festive moment, it celebrates not only the spirit of Christmas, but also the precious link between generations and the Dijon community.
This annual meeting continues to illustrate the municipality’s commitment to its seniors and demonstrates a strong desire to preserve this unique human and social heritage.
