07 August,2016 09:50 AM IST | | IANS
The French city of Lille will not be holding its 2016 La Braderie de Lille, a globally famous flea market, over fear of terrorist attacks, the city’s mayor has said. “It’s heart-wrenching to make this decision,” said Martine Aubry, the city’s mayor.
Paris: The French city of Lille will not be holding its 2016 La Braderie de Lille, a globally famous flea market, over fear of terrorist attacks, the city's mayor has said. "It's heart-wrenching to make this decision," said Martine Aubry, the city's mayor.
This file photo shows visitors attending the annual Braderie de Lille (Lille Fleamarket) in Lille, northern France. Pic/AFP
The annual street market, dating back to the 12th century, is known as the biggest and oldest flea market in Europe.
It is supposed to take place on the first Sunday of September in Lille city, and used to attract millions of visitors from all over the world.
Though some local vendors expressed regret and even anger over the decision, Aubry insisted that upgraded security measures such as sharpshooters, riot police and helicopters go against the spirit of the annual event. France is still in a state of emergency after a spate of terrorist attacks.
