The Foire du Trône, located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, is facing challenges as it seeks to maintain a family-friendly image amid rising concerns over safety. Recently, videos of youth brawls have circulated widely on social media, prompting police to increase their presence at the fair. On Monday, April 14, 2025, a fight broke out between fairground workers and young people following a theft at a stand, resulting in nine arrests, according to the Paris police headquarters.
Louis Joubert, the organizer of the Foire du Trône, expressed his frustration over the negative portrayal of the event, stating, "Some kids run, creating an impression of panic. It gives the impression that there’s a fight. They take their cameras, post on social media, and invent things: fights, stabbings at the Foire du Trône. This is not representative of the event at all." Joubert emphasized that the fair aims to provide a convivial atmosphere for families.
The Foire du Trône, which runs until June 9, 2025, is an iconic event in Paris, attracting over 2.5 million visitors each year. Despite last year's disruptions due to bad weather and the Paris Olympics, the fair is crucial for many vendors. Rémi Profit, a fairground operator, highlighted its significance, stating, "The Foire du Trône represents 50% of my turnover. It’s really important. It’s frustrating to see young people making false videos because it doesn’t represent the event at all."
In the midst of these challenges, the fair also celebrates its vibrant traditions and community spirit. Among the highlights is Tara, an 18-year-old crowned Miss Esmeralda 2025, who embodies the heart of the Foire du Trône. Tara's role extends beyond a mere title; she serves as an ambassador for the fairground community, welcoming visitors and promoting the festive spirit. She recalls, "All little fairground girls dream of being crowned queens one day."
Tara’s journey to becoming Miss Esmeralda is a testament to her dedication to the fair. Growing up in a family of fairground workers, she has spent her life immersed in the culture of traveling fairs. "We live to the rhythm of the seasons and the fairs. Each city, each fair is a new adventure," she said, reflecting on her nomadic lifestyle.
However, the Foire du Trône is not without its struggles. Incidents of violence, often exaggerated on social media, threaten to overshadow the fair's joyful atmosphere. Tara believes her role as Miss Esmeralda is vital in countering these perceptions. "People come here to have fun, not to fight. We all work to ensure everyone leaves with a smile," she insisted.
Behind the scenes, the fair is a bustling hub of activity, with over 300 attractions ranging from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly games. On weekends, the Foire du Trône can see up to 100,000 visitors. Tara also works at her family’s claw machine stand, where she engages with guests and promotes the fair's values of joy and unity.
Sandrine, a visitor who returned to the fair after 27 years, expressed her nostalgia and excitement. "I hadn’t been since I was 10, and now at 37, it’s lovely to relive this moment. It’s still just as nice!" She, like many others, acknowledged the recent concerns but felt reassured by the increased security presence. "We came specifically to avoid being here at night," she noted.
Despite the recent incidents, the overall atmosphere at the Foire du Trône remains festive. Families enjoy the rides, savor sweet treats, and create lasting memories. Maureen, another visitor, shared her experience: "We saw that there was more security, so we came. But we haven’t seen anything concerning so far. I think during the day, it’s still a very family-oriented and festive atmosphere."
As the fair continues to attract crowds, the organizers and vendors are hopeful that they can dispel the negative narratives surrounding the event. Louis Joubert urged potential visitors to come and see for themselves, asserting, "We would like people to come to the Foire du Trône to see for themselves. There’s no point in arguing for nothing. The atmosphere is friendly, and everything is going well."
The Foire du Trône stands as a symbol of unity for the fairground community, where families work together and share experiences. Tara’s reign as Miss Esmeralda not only highlights the importance of this tradition but also serves to challenge the misconceptions surrounding fairground life. "The fairground workers are families who work together, who share everything. We are one big family, and I am proud to be part of it," she said.
As the season progresses, Tara looks forward to further engaging with visitors and promoting the fair's values. Her aspirations include making the Foire du Trône even more innovative and inclusive, ensuring it remains a cherished event for future generations. "Funfairs are timeless. No matter your age or background, everyone finds happiness here," she affirmed.
In a world where challenges persist, the Foire du Trône offers a magical escape for Parisians and visitors alike. It is a place where childhood memories are rekindled, and new experiences await. As Tara walks through the fair in her sparkling tiara, she embodies the spirit of joy and hope, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of life, laughter, and community.
