Following a devastating fire in 2019 and five years of meticulous restoration, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen this weekend. To mark the occasion, a re-opening ceremony will be held. It will begin on Saturday afternoon with a symbolic service led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

He will strike the cathedral’s doors with his staff, a traditional gesture signaling the reopening. In addition, the Archbishop will also breathe life into Notre-Dame’s famous grand organ, whose 8,000 pipes have now been painstakingly disassembled, cleaned and restored.

The grandeur of this structure is well known. It took a total of 182 years to build it between the 12th and 14th centuries. The 2019 fire that nearly destroyed Notre Dame A serious health risk was also discovered. When the flames melted the roof, tons of toxic lead dust spread into the air and settled throughout Paris – affecting people’s health.

Now, the building has been renovated and will be reopened with grand celebrations. It will involve a series of rituals and artistic performances. French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the opening ceremony along with about 50 heads of state and dignitaries. The evening will culminate in a spectacular concert featuring international stars such as pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and singers Angelique Kidjo and Hiba Tawaji.

It’s not him! Another historic moment will take place on Sunday morning: the consecration of Notre-Dame’s new altar during an inauguration ceremony led by the archbishop.

About 170 bishops from France and other countries, including clergy from all Paris parishes, will attend the service.

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