Ship’s naming ceremony will take place during French city’s 500th anniversary celebrations next summer
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Le Havre is to host the christening of MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia on 4 June 2017.
The ship’s official naming ceremony will take place during the French city’s 500th anniversary celebrations next summer.
Highlights of the five-month celebration include performances from artists such as Chiharu Shiota, Julien Berthier and Stéphane Thidet, as well as parades by the Art Point M Collective on 27 May and giant puppet displays by the Royal de Luxe Company from 6-9 July.
Exhibitions at the Muma will showcase the work of artists Pierre et Gilles and Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, Raoul Dufy, William Turner and Félix Valloto. Meanwhile, the French Lines Association has created a poetry programme to showcase Le Havre’s maritime history.
Cruise visitors will also be able to enjoy free concerts, music workshops and picnics, or head to La Barre Dock to visit the BaZooka company’s installation, The Five Thousand Wishes Temple and the Japanese Garden. Those visiting on 8 October will be able to attend the Final Party, described as a ‘digital and interactive artistic masterpiece’.
Usually unoccupied, the port’s old transatlantic terminal will serve fast food and host daily artistic events throughout the festivities. At night, it will turn into a club to allow the Art Point M Collective to host four large electro music events.
Le Havre will also host the final stage of the Tall Ships Race between 31 August and 3 September and the 13th Transat Jacques Vabre, the longest transatlantic two-handed race, between 27 October and 5 November.