The festival of Lights A tradition from Lyon

The festival of Lights A tradition from Lyon

History The festival of lights is a typical celebration of Lyon. In fact, in 1647 Lyon are devasted by the plague. During lots of month this curse caused thousands deaths. Inhabitants of Lyon decided to oraganize a big Mass for Mary. During this Mass people promised to pay tribute to Mary. After this moment the plague stoped.

In 8, December 1852, Lyon inaugurated a statue of Mary in the St Jean Cathedral. First, the inauguration was cancelled because of the rain. But, the inhabitants of Lyon decided to illuminated the city and put “lumignons” on windowsills. Now this is a veritable tradition and all 8 December the Lyon’s families put “lumignons” on windowsills and head into the streets to enjoy the atmosphere.

The news celebrations In 1989, Michel Noir the mayor decided to accompany the traditional illuminations by animations. This decision permit to attract millions tourist in Lyon during this period. Now, there are 80 artistic animations in the famous places in Lyon : Bellecours, St jean, Fourvière, “la place des celestins”… Now, example of animation during 2012 …

Four animations with water, one above the rhone, an other on a basin in Bellecour, the third in perrache and the last on a basin in confluence a district of lyon.

And next to our school in the square Ambroise courtois there is an animation too.

And lots of like highlights, light in, magic cube, « Et si » , Roman-Tica …

The effects… The festival of lights permit at Lyon to be a major center of light design. All the year 250 sites of Lyon are lighting and it gave the city a new face.

Thanks for your attention !