In Montpellier, a Halloween celebration in a deconsecrated chapel sparks outrage from the far right.
In the city of Montpellier, the organization of a Halloween party in a deconsecrated chapel has triggered a torrent of indignation from the local far right. The media outlet “Frontières” launched a virulent attack against the event, calling it a “satanic black mass.” However, the organizers defend their artistic event, taking place as part of the Ex Tenebris Lux festival, as a celebration of art and creativity, far removed from the accusations leveled by their detractors.
An artistic event at the heart of the controversy. The party, planned for October 31st for Halloween, was conceived as a festive event blending art, mystery, and creativity. Taking place in a deconsecrated chapel in Montpellier, this celebration is part of the Ex Tenebris Lux festival, which runs until November 5th in the Hérault prefecture. The program includes a metal concert, a lively dance floor, light mapping on the stone walls and stained-glass windows, and a tasting of potions and other unusual concoctions.The organizers encourage participants to dress up in Halloween costumes for an evening intended as a celebration of life and community, far removed from any blasphemous connotations. Far from any imagined diabolical rituals, the event is designed to celebrate conviviality and artistic expression.
The far-right’s outrage
However, this cultural event has not escaped the attention of the far-right media outlet, “Frontières,” which has launched a veritable digital crusade against it. On October 29, this media outlet published a fiery message on its X account, denouncing an alleged “satanic black mass.”“. This statement sparked vehement reactions, fueling outrage and threats from supporters.A disproportionate reaction?
The organizers of the evening deplore this media storm, stressing that the argument put forward by their detractors is based on erroneous interpretations and a desire to stigmatize an artistic event. They invite reflection on the rise of a climate of intolerance which exploits cultural values to fuel sterile controversies. According to them, this agitation actually aims to obscure the message of sharing and creativity that they wish to convey.
Discover the full article on the mobilizations in Montpellier