It’s a chestnut that still makes you shiver. Like every year, on October 31st, the RATP dresses up in the colors of the famous Halloween festival. And Parisians could be caught in the next few hours using the capital’s metro corridors and trains. If some stations have temporarily changed names, as happened for the Olympic Games, others, on line 1, host special announcements in honor of the pagan holiday.
“Une nuit en Denfert-Rochereau”, “Hôtel Transylvanie”, or even “Caspernety” replace for example for the day (and night) the traditional stations Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4 and 6), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11 ) and Pernety (line 13).
Terrifying announcements
Since Thursday morning, the RATP has accompanied this terrifying spectacle with special announcements in seven of the 25 stations of line 1 that connects La Défense to Vincennes. It is therefore possible to hear, at the Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre station on line 1, an announcement modified for the occasion: “Welcome to the Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre. Belphégor will be happy to offer you a private tour. » A song spoken by a voice with an anguished tone accompanied by the sound of a door closing in the background…
At Porte Maillot station, users are given a truly essential Halloween souvenir. Don’t forget “cauldrons, hats and magic wands”. Franklin D. Roosevelt is given the following announcement over a piano tune: “The prankster spirits tell us we’re coming to Frankenstein… Ooh, sorry, Franklin Roosevelt. » Additional reasons why riders shouldn’t fear subway delays…
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Halloween Transportation Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special Halloween feature. We’re joined today by Dr. Elise Moreau, a cultural historian and expert in urban festivities. Dr. Moreau, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the Halloween spirit in urban environments, particularly in Paris.
Editor: Every year, the RATP, which is the public transport authority in Paris, decorates metro stations for Halloween. What can you tell us about this tradition and its significance?
Dr. Moreau: It’s fascinating! The RATP’s initiative to dress up the metro in Halloween colors reflects a growing trend of cities embracing festive celebrations to engage residents and tourists alike. By incorporating playful elements like temporary name changes for stations and themed announcements, it adds a unique cultural layer to the daily commute.
Editor: That’s interesting! Could you elaborate on how these changes might affect the everyday experience of Parisians using the metro?
Dr. Moreau: Certainly! While daily travelers may initially be caught off guard by stations having different names or quirky announcements, it fosters a sense of community. It creates a shared experience and enhances the holiday spirit, encouraging people to share the atmosphere on social media, contributing to a collective celebration of culture in urban life.
Editor: And how does this compare with other big cities around the world? Would you say that Parisians are unique in how they celebrate Halloween?
Dr. Moreau: Paris does have a unique flair, largely due to its rich history and cultural backdrop. However, cities like New York and London also embrace Halloween with extensive public festivities. The key difference lies in the integration of Halloween into daily life in Paris, where even the metro becomes part of the celebration. This blend of the festive with the routine is particularly charming and speaks to Parisian creativity.
Editor: It sounds like a delightful experience! How do you think public transport authorities in other cities can learn from RATP’s approach to celebrating Halloween?
Dr. Moreau: Other public transport systems can definitely take cues from RATP. Creating thematic experiences can enhance customer satisfaction, make commuting more enjoyable, and even boost tourism. It’s about thinking outside the box and considering how to use transport spaces for engaging public interactions.
Editor: As we look forward to Halloween this year, are there any particular activities or announcements from RATP you’re excited about?
Dr. Moreau: While I don’t have specific insider information, I imagine this year’s announcements will be riddled with charming and spooky puns, which really encapsulate the playful spirit of Paris. It’ll be interesting to see how they integrate local folklore or references in celebrating the holiday.
Editor: Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for our readers who might be keen to partake in the Halloween festivities while riding the Paris metro?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely! If you find yourself in the Paris metro on Halloween, embrace the experience! Take your time to notice the changes, chat with fellow commuters about the announcements, and don’t forget to snap some photos to share. Engaging with the festivities adds to the fun of exploring the city during this vibrant time.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights today. It sounds like there’s a lot to anticipate this Halloween in the metro!
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me! Happy Halloween to all your readers!
Editor: Happy Halloween everyone! Remember to enjoy the festivities, no matter where you are!