Festival of Lights (Lyon)

The Festival of Lights (French: Fête des lumières, ) in Lyon, France, is a happy celebration that happens each year around December 8. It started as a way to give thanks to Mary, mother of Jesus.

During this special time, people in Lyon put candles in their windows. This makes the streets look magical with bright lights.

The festival is full of fun activities about light, and it lasts for four days. The most exciting part is on the 8th, when everyone gathers to see beautiful light shows. Two important places to visit are the Basilica of Fourvière, which glows in many colors, and Place des Terreaux, where a new light display happens every year. This festival brings families and friends together to enjoy the beauty of light and the spirit of community.

History

The Festival of Lights in Lyon, France, began in 1643 when the city faced a serious sickness. The leaders of Lyon promised to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, if the city was saved.

Since then, people in Lyon light candles in their windows on December 8 each year to remember this promise and to show thanks.

In 1852, a statue of Mary was built near an important church in Lyon. This statue became a special part of the festival. Because of bad weather and other problems, the celebration was moved to December 8. On that day, people lit their windows and celebrated together, singing and showing their joy. This tradition has continued every year since then.

Custom

In Lyon, France, the Festival of Lights is a happy celebration that happens every year around December 8. Many families put special candles in their windows to make the city look beautiful. You can buy these candles in shops from late November.

During the festival, some parts of the city are closed to cars so people can walk safely and enjoy the lights. The festival has fun light shows, performances, and places to buy tasty food.

Main article: Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Security measures after 13 November 2015

In 2015, after some sad events in Paris, the Festival of Lights in Lyon made some changes. The festival was shorter and had extra safety checks to keep everyone safe. Special lights were used to honor those affected by the events in Paris.