December 8th marked the annual celebration of Fètes des Lumiéres in Lyon. A time of praise and gratitude to the Virgin Mary for sparing Lyon from the plague in the 1600’s, although, the historical narrative is seemingly forgotten and overshadowed by current traditions and exhibitions.
For approximately 4 days the city morphs into a magnificent display of coloured lights, flickering candles and illuminated displays. The streets smell of spiced hot wine and chocolaty crepes. People flock to the centre squares and cathedrals from around the globe to witness the exquisitely crafted and timed lights and sights. The metro is expertly manned and controlled with the precise timing of entry and exit points. And the city comes alive in a multitude of displays, themes and colours; an ideal pairing to the diversity of the festivities revellers.
The days leading up to the Festival are dedicated to the sale of coloured, patterned, and clear candle holders with bags of plain white wax candles. Noel inspired lights line the streets and the city’s squares entice with carousels and Ferris wheels. The opening night of December 8th is alight with candles lining windowsills and walkways, the sky is aglow in swaths of colours and designs, and the city is abuzz in radiant energy and excitement.
While the traditional religious significance of the event is undeniably outshined by the grand displays and shows of light, the themed posters and tribute depicting ‘Merci Marie’ ascend from the hill of Fourvière - an all encompassing and embracing reminder of the Festival’s origins.
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