On the night of December 27 to 28, a Christmas nativity scene installed under the market hall of the village of La Roque-Gageac, in Dordogne, was destroyed by a fire. The mayor of the town, Jérôme Peyrat, evokes a voluntary act and announces the filing of a complaint.
Daycare fire deemed suspicious
The incident occurred in the middle of the night, devastating the crèche designed for the end of year celebrations. Jérôme Peyrat quickly took to Facebook to express his sadness and point out the probability of a criminal act:
« The cold, the frost, the humidity, the absence of a candle or an electrical system unfortunately make us think of a voluntary act “, he said.
The rapid intervention of firefighters and police prevented the flames from spreading to the wooden frame of the hall and the chalets located nearby. However, the material damage is significant, and the investigation opened will have to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
A new nursery announced despite everything
Despite the fire, the municipality refuses to give in to what it perceives as an attempt at intimidation. Jérôme Peyrat announced the upcoming installation of a new crèche to replace the destroyed work:
« We won't be impressed », affirmed the mayor, specifying that the complaint would be filed quickly with France Info.
A national context marked by controversies over crèches
The fire occurs in a context where Christmas nativity scenes are regularly at the center of debate in France. These Nativity symbols, installed in public places, sometimes give rise to tensions between defenders of tradition and opponents invoking the principle of secularism.
In other municipalities, elected officials are fighting to maintain these cultural traditions. In Beaucaire, for example, a local referendum confirmed massive support for the municipal crèche despite a legal decision. In Bry-sur-Marne, Mayor LR Charles Aslangul also defended the establishment of an outdoor crèche, emphasizing its cultural and festive character.
A symbol of unity and resistance
Beyond their religious dimension, Christmas nativity scenes are seen by many as cultural heritage and a social bond. Faced with this fire, the town of La Roque-Gageac chose not to be defeated and to preserve a tradition anchored in French history.
The investigation continues to identify those possibly responsible for this act, while the inhabitants of the village are organizing to rebuild this symbol of Christmas.
Also read: Christmas cribs: When mayors and senators stand up to defend our traditions
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