Fete des Lumieres

Before I begin, just a quick apology that I haven't worked out how to type accents in this blog yet, so any French words will have to be read with a pinch of salt! So, on with the fun. Since 1852, Lyon has been illuminated each year on December 8 by candles placed in front of the windows of all the city's buildings. Perhaps the four day extravaganza of light which took over this year is a bit different from the nineteenth-century version of the festival, but there were still lots of candles in windows!(although quite how the bright pink police sirens in the flower beds in front of the Theatre des Celestins fit into the picture remains to be seen!) In fact, the religious roots and purpose of the Festival still seem to be viewed as important, and commercialism(mmmm ... mulled wine) doesn't seem to have completely obliviated the original aim of saying "Merci Marie". "The origins of the festival", as wikipedia helpfully informs me "date to 1643 when Lyon was struck by plague. The municipal councillors (échevins) promised to pay tribute to Mary if the town was spared. Ever since, a solemn procession makes its way to the Basilica of Fourvière on this day to light candles and give offerings in the name of Mary. The event thus commemorates the day Lyon was consecrated to the Virgin Mary. In 1852, it became a popular festival when a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected next to the Basilica, overlooking the city."



Spent Friday and Sunday evenings savouring the delights of the Fete: mulled wine (vin chaud in French, have to vote for the English here, mulled is a much better word), roast chestnuts, and lots of lights. Friday was unfortunately a bit of a wash out as it had been raining non-stop since about midday, but by the time we tramped up the hill to Fourviere the rain had cleared and the view of the lit up city was incredible (see photos, which don't really do it justice even though I discovered the night-time function on my camera) Sunday less wet, so included a trip on the big wheel standing in Place Bellecour. Rather terrifying to discover when at the top of the wheel that the little metal gates meant to keep you safe by being shut fast were actually very openable. But hey, fun all the same!

Merci Marie!

http://www.lumieres.lyon.fr/