City of Lights: Lyon

06 December 2012

One of the country’s biggest cultural events, the ‘Festival of Lights’ (6th - 9th December 2012) draws a crowd of over four million visitors every year, joining locals to marvel at the spectacular light dances, acrobatics and unique illumination innovations for four vibrant December days each year.

An integral part of the cultural calendar since 1852, the Festival of Lights is a relatively recent tribute to the Virgin Mary, part of a long-term promise made when an outbreak of plague in the city ended in 1643. Municipal councillors had agreed to pay tribute to Mary if the town was spared.

In 1852, a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected next to the Basilica to honour this tradition.. At this time, residents of Lyon commemorate the occasion with candles in their windows, along with other celebrations and it became known as the Festival of Lights. These traditional stout, fluted candles can be found in shops at the end of November - over eight million are sold every year!

The origins of this celebration have not been forgotten and over the years, the Festival of Lights has blossomed into a huge event featuring the very best in lighting technology. Light in the city is an essential component, helping to accentuate the architectural magnificence of the buildings and urban landscape.

Over 80 cutting-edge lighting installations are scattered around the city, bringing the buildings to life as if dancing to pulsating music, creating a magical and memorising effect for the festival visitors.
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