Lyon's Festival of Lights: Concoction of creativity, tradition and technology

On December 8, 1852 hundreds of candles were lit around Lyon by its residents. This was their way of thanking the Virgin Mary for protecting the city from plague couple of centuries ago.

This lighting of candles has now become a major event in this French city.

"The Festival of Light is in our history and tradition. It is part of our life and we also take this opportunity to promote our beautiful city. We want to tell the world about us and get the world addicted to Lyon," said Jean-Francois Zurawik, Director of Events at the City of Lyon.

Even after hundreds of years, the annual Fete des Lumieres, (Festival of Lights) is observed annually from Dec 5 to Dec 8 which witnesses several million visitors in the illuminated streets of Lyon.

Tourists gather from around the world and Lyon marvelously transforms into a concoction of creativity, tradition, technology and devotion.

"I cannot believe this, this looks like an outdoor art gallery," exclaimed one German tourist.

Christmas comes early in Lyon due to the festival. And over the period of four days the city's building, streets and even hills is seen in new light (literally).

This year 75 different installations were featured throughout Lyon, made by 175 artists.

One Chinese tourist says, "I have been going through different parts of the city with my friends and with each installations I enter a new world."

The public buildings and historical sites turns into canvas, town squares turn into theme park and parks becomes a platform to display fine arts.

"In the day time when I pass though the building it's impossible to believe what these artists turn them into at night," said a tourist from Hong Kong.

The exhibits often tell little stories, like the history of cinematography. In contrast, cartoon character Inuit finds a playground on the façade of city's Opera house.

Sarah from Beirut said, "I loved the cartoons, I think that was the best installation and I laughed my heart out."

At Place de Jacobins, a fountain is covered with a lampshade and turns into a nightlight, and plays lullabies.

Around the city, people stand in awe watching feathers float in huge glass jars or glass spheres at Place Antonin Poncet which creates cosmic journey of 'Laniakea'; a galaxy super cluster.

"I really wanted to see this festival...I have heard about it...and it's amazing," said a tourist from England.

A giant disco ball was hanging atop the Fourvière Basilica on Fourvière Hill - Lyon's most iconic historical monument that overlooks the entire city.

Lyon puts all its resources to see that the festival moves visitors artistically and poetically.

With cosmic lights and disco balls around, music cannot be too far. Bands play music in the streets prompting the crowd to jiggle and shake off the cold. Then you find puppet shows in the street to keep audiences entertained.

Director of the Festival Jean-Francois Zurawik says, "This is not a technology competition. We want to entertain people, amaze them but also preserve our tradition."

A modest celebration that was started by the residents by putting candles on their window sills has evolved now into a world-leading festival which has puts Lyon on the global map.

With Festival of Light, Lyon turns Northern Europe's darkest and coldest nights into celebration of life, light and togetherness.

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