On November 19th at a special ceremony organized by the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBTIK) in "Boyana" Residence the solemn words: Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! ("The New Beaujolais has arrived!") were once again heard.

The traditional ritual performance of the young French wine this time - harvest in 2015, was held under the patronage of the His Excellency Mr. Xavier Laper de Cabanes, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic in Bulgaria. It was attended by over 1,500 guests - representatives of the business, diplomatic, political and cultural elite in the country.

With a minute of silence the attendants honored the victims of the terrorist acts in Paris and what followed was the performance of the national anthem of France. Mr. Stefan Gyula, president of FBTIK, turned to the guests of the evening by saying: "This year's meeting in Sofia on new "Beaujolais" 2015 brings a very special character. France, Paris and its surroundings, were again struck by the bombings, which led to numerous casualties. We are all deeply hurt. And as life goes, I would like today to celebrate one kind of "celebration of freedom" to honor the memory of the innocent victims and to confront the murderous madness of the extremists. All friends of France will discover in it a manifestation of the strength of our nation."

On behalf of the H. E. Mr. Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes, Mrs. Dominique Waage, first counselor at the French embassy also addressed the guests: "I thank Bulgaria for the many messages of support and friendship after the attacks in Paris. Despite the tragic events, the French people are determined to fight and nothing will change our lives. "

Mr. Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister for the European funds and economic policy, expressed the commitment of the Bulgarian people with the anguish of France: "Today, someone would say that due to the tragic circumstances the tradition of welcoming the new "Beaujolais" should be repealed, but I would say that you should not. Because terrorists want exactly that - traditions to be destroyed, our goals and what we believe in to be changed. Besides, wine drinking and poetry are something else - it is identified with the struggle for freedom and love. If somebody thinks that we can replace freedom in the name of security, they are wrong. Because wine and love and freedom are not just part of the tradition - they are part of us and we will be able to preserve them."

The new "Beaujolais" is traditionally celebrated worldwide. It has been celebrated for many years in Bulgaria, as well. Once you hear the words that the New Beaujolais has arrived, according to the law of Wine in France the selling on the world market can begin.

Information and photos: the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and magazine "Diplomatic spectrum".