Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Events ~ around Paris

Ex-pats, and citizens, around the world stood shoulder-to-shoulder to watch the historic day of Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration.

Events lived up to their promise to be the largest in history, with record numbers in Washington. More than 100 Democrats Abroad inaugural celebrations were planned worldwide, even in places as remote as Zambia. Large events and formal balls were held in cities from London to Hong Kong, from Berlin to Sydney and most celebrations featured live coverage of President Obama's Inaugural Address (or recorded versions replayed due to time differences).
 
International Chair, Democrats Abroad, Christine Schon Marques wrote in a DA email, "As an organization, we know that Democrats Abroad made significant differences in elections across the country. Our vote mattered and our efforts paid off. We plan to celebrate President Obama's inauguration in every corner of the world and join in renewing America's promise."

I was lucky enough to get a "golden" ticket to the Hotel de Ville in Paris and seep in history as history was being made.

Here are all the spectacular pictures!

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And these were some of the other events that went on around town:
In Marseille
Cocktail party starts at 5:00 pm on La Boate 35 rue de la Paix, 13001 Marseille to watch the inauguration ceremony LIVE at 6:00 pm on a big screen. In association with Conseil Représentatif des Associations Noires PACA and Media Euroméditerranéen des Diversités à Marseille.

In Toulouse
A special event being organized by the American Consulate in cooperation with the City of Toulouse and an NGO, le Conseil Representif des Associations Noires (CRAN). Speech by Dominique Nitoumbi, Président of CRAN Midi-Pyrénées and David Brown, U.S. Consul. The festivities will include live television coverage of the inauguration as well as a talk by Fulbright Distinguished Professor Lorenzo Morris of Howard University and the University of Paris. Salle municipale Osète: Immeuble Duranti 6, rue du Lt-Colonel Pelissier 31000 (Métro Capitole, parking St George).

In Strasbourg
Starting at 5pm at the Dubliners Pub, Rue du VIeux Marché aux Vinx. Live streaming on Big Screen TV CNN.

In Avignon
Starting at 5pm at the "Restaurant 75", 78 Rue Guillaume Puy. Large screen viewing of ceremonies, parade, etc, with Champagne. Followed by cocktail dinatoire and dancing with live music.

In Paris

The American Library
Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States soon. At the Library we'll be marking this historic moment with a special book display, a live broadcast of the inaugural address, and an evening discussion focused on the promise of change on the international stage.
17h30: Live broadcast of the swearing-in ceremonies and inaugural address.
19h30: Political analyst Thierry Leterre on ‘The 2008 election viewed from Europe: A world ballot?’ A Current Events Forum in cooperation with WICE.
Tel: 01 53 59 12 60
10, rue du Général Camou, 75007
http://www.americanlibraryinparis.org/

The American Church in Paris
The American Church in Paris will have an Inauguration Prayer Service at 7:30 P.M. It will be a 30 minute service featuring a gospel choir, followed by the viewing of the speech. Afterwards they will have a reception with music, snacks and wine. All are welcome. This is a free event. 65 Quai D'orsay, 75007. www.acparis.org

BIZZ’ ART (ex OPUS)
OBAMA DAY “Yes, We Can!!”
From 6pm to 2am, free entry
Rebroadcast of Inauguration on a big screen, Expo-Sale of Obama clothing (silkscreened by XULY BET) , Photo exhibition, and Concert of and soul music featuring several groups including Chicago musician Sean Haefeli.
OPUS 167 quai de Valmy 75010 Paris - M° Louis Blanc - Tel 01 40 34 70 00
http://opusclub.free.fr/

The Highlander
“THE Scottish Pub in Paris”
Special American Inauguration 2009 Party, also sponsored by POLITICAL PUB, bar opens at 5:00pm
8 rue Nevers 75006, across from Pont Neuf.
http://www.the-highlander.fr/index.php

The Moose (Canadian Bar)
They have 11 big screens and at least one will be showing the Inauguration! Tuesdays are Ladies’ Nights AND it will be Happy Hour until 8pm.
16, rue de Quatre Vents, 75006
Tel: 01 46 33 77 00
http://www.canadianbarsparis.com/themoose/swf/index.htm

Breakfast in America
We will be tuning in live @ 4pm (16H00) Paris time to see who Obama's guests will be before he gives his big acceptance speech! So come and join us for this historic event!
17, rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris, France
Métro: Cardinal LeMoine or Jussieu
Tel: 01 43 54 50 28

Queenie and Queen
Get the party started at Le Queenie, starting at 8:00 pm. Then move on to Queen, opening its doors at 10:00 pm, with the Inauguration playing on the big screen and dancing until dawn. RSVP to obama.obamaparisinauguration.p@gmail.com so they know how many to expect. This is not a ticketed event, but Queen has a €15 cover charge after midnight. Visit their website for more info: www.queen.fr Le Queenie, 5 rue des Berri, 75008 Paris and Queen, 102 Avenue Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris

Carr’s Irish Restaurant & Bar
will show the Inauguration on Tuesday next, 20th January.
Watch the swearing-in and acceptance speech on CNN on large screens,
with television coverage starting at 4.30pm.
Congratulations to Americans everywhere, and our very best wishes for 2009
Carr’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, 1 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris

Joe Allen
will show the Inauguration on Tuesday next, 20th January.
Watch the swearing-in and acceptance speech on CNN on large screens,
with television coverage starting at 4.30pm.
Joe Allen, 30 Rue Pierre Lescot, Paris, 75001, 014236 7013
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