Place Jean Jaurès

Place Jean Jaurès, also known as La Plaine, is a public square in Marseille, France, known for hosting the annual Carnaval de la Plaine. This carnival, an "independent" and often undeclared event, has a history of attracting large crowds, with the 2025 edition drawing approximately 13,000 people. The square is newsworthy due to recent clashes between carnival-goers and police at the end of the 2026 celebration. The 2026 event was partially prohibited by the police prefecture starting at 7 PM. Despite the restrictions, some participants remained, leading to confrontations with law enforcement attempting to clear the area. These clashes resulted in injuries to seventeen police officers. The burning of the Caramentran, a traditional effigy, also took place. The events highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the management and control of large public gatherings in the square.