Free Party in Cornusse: A Unique Event
Cornusse, a village of 700 people in Cher, near Bourges, experienced unprecedented excitement. A Free Party brought together up to 40,000 people over the long weekend of May 1st in a fantastic atmosphere. It was an impressive feat by the organizers to gather such a large crowd in a surprise and self-organized manner, especially in a time of increasing repression. This event also serves as a significant blow to the government, which prioritizes its fight against festive movements and youth.
Despite seizures and crackdowns, around twenty sound systems from all over France set up massive sound walls on Friday morning. The weekend featured smiles, sunshine, and good vibes for partygoers from all over Europe. Additionally, there was a pirate radio station, the Stand of Earth Uprisings, and an antifascist village at the heart of the site.
Nearly 150 volunteers provided prevention and support services in a dedicated space for risk reduction. In collaboration with emergency services, on-site organizations offered information on psychoactive substances, sanitary materials, and rest areas.
Political Pressure
For three days, the media portrayed this massive Free Party as being located in a “very dangerous” area due to its proximity to a military terrain that previously served as a shooting range for the French Armament Directorate. The Minister of the Interior and MP Laetitia Saint-Paul continuously created an hyper-anxious narrative to criminalize the event and depict the organizers and the Free Party movement as irresponsible.
However, on-site reporters clarified that the party took place in an area where tractors pass and that the military debris field was located on the other side of the road adjacent to the site. Despite the state announcing the discovery of two shells, bomb disposal services confirmed they were not directly on the Teknival site. Organizers also shared cautionary guidelines regarding the terrain.
Against Militarism, for Free Festivities
The choice of a shooting range for the event was intentional, as organizers wanted to protest against militarism. The Tekno Anti Rep collective released a statement advocating for the right to party and criticizing the government’s crackdown on Free Parties.
The statement condemns imperialism and a law aiming to further penalize the organization of Free Parties. It also highlights the cultural significance of Bourges, dubbed the European Capital of Culture in 2028, emphasizing the values of antifascism, self-management, and inclusivity of the movement.
Police-Initiated Incidents
Despite media sensationalism, no major incidents occurred during the weekend apart from a young woman being hit by a car. Reports suggest the vehicle belonged to the police, raising concerns among witnesses, including a doctor close to the Free Party community.
As the XXL event concluded on May 3rd, without major issues, it showcased exemplary organizational and political acumen. Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, who visited the site, received backlash for helicoptering low over the Teknival, prompting aerial fireworks as a reminder of police and far-right exclusion from free events.
The event concluded without significant damage, underscoring the exceptional organization both politically and logistically. Support Contre Attaque’s essential work with a contribution to continue providing quality, free information.
