nearly 8,000 people gathered, despite the rain and the wind, for a vibrant tribute

What there is to know

On Saturday April 27, Matisse, 15, was stabbed to death at the foot of a building in the Saint-Denis district of Châteauroux. The alleged murderer, also 15 years old, is in pre-trial detention and indicted for intentional homicide. For a week, the town of Châteauroux has been in shock. The family organized a white march this Saturday, May 4 in tribute to Matisse. Nearly 8,000 people responded to the call.

Departing from Place Lafayette, the procession then passed through Rue Grande, stopped in front of his former school, the Saint-Martial school, then passed in front of the restaurant “Jeu 2 Goûts”, belonging to Matisse’s parents. Rue de la Poste, the procession stopped again in front of the Saint-Hubert restaurant, where Matisse was an apprentice to obtain a CAP as a chef. The tribute song by MOrisse, his cousin, was broadcast in the street.

The white march ended its route around 4:45 p.m., with an impressive balloon release.

• The white march began at 3:30 p.m. from Place Lafayette in Châteauroux in pouring rain
• This Saturday, May 4 in the morning, family, loved ones and anyone wishing to pay their respects were invited to the funeral chapel of Saint-Maur (Indre), to pay a last tribute to Matisse. The presence of the media was not desired by the family and access was controlled by the police.
• The family invited all participants in the white march to show respect throughout the route so that the march takes place in a peaceful manner. “serene and united spirit”
• The curtains of the shops in the city center were closed during the march in solidarity with his parents, restaurateurs in Châteauroux
• Matisse’s father, Christophe Marchais, asked people to avoid coming dressed in black, but rather in pink, the favorite color of Matisse, a very happy boy
• Tuesday May 7 from 1 p.m., a farewell ceremony for Matisse will be organized at the Gaston Petit stadium in Châteauroux.

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