Although it could be considered a double post, I hereby give you the translation to English of my original post in Dutch.
Although it's not a fireworksfestival as we know it, the "Fête des Lumières" in Lyon is a festival which shows a whole lot of light and also fireworks. Lyon is the city of light and the festival is held every year on (and around) December 8th. In 1999 the festival got a new boost, which caused it to grow enormously. It is recognised as a unique event in Europe and attracts over 3 million visitors each year.
The tradition started more than one and a half century ago. The Plague had spared Lyon and for this the local people wanted to thank the Virgin Mary on December 8th 1852 by putting up a statue on "La Chapelle de Fourvière". The festive preparations were disturbed by a thunderstorm. Fortunately the weather calmed down and the people, who had been looking forward to the festivities, spontaneously lighted the lights in their houses and went out into the streets.
Ever since the people of Lyon light up their city on December 8th for the celebration of The Immaculate Conception.
Here's a link to the official website:
http://www.lumieres.lyon.fr/lumieres/sections/fr (Frans)
http://www.lumieres.lyon.fr/lumieres/sections/en (Engels)
And some pictures:
Although it's not a fireworksfestival as we know it, the "Fête des Lumières" in Lyon is a festival which shows a whole lot of light and also fireworks. Lyon is the city of light and the festival is held every year on (and around) December 8th. In 1999 the festival got a new boost, which caused it to grow enormously. It is recognised as a unique event in Europe and attracts over 3 million visitors each year.
The tradition started more than one and a half century ago. The Plague had spared Lyon and for this the local people wanted to thank the Virgin Mary on December 8th 1852 by putting up a statue on "La Chapelle de Fourvière". The festive preparations were disturbed by a thunderstorm. Fortunately the weather calmed down and the people, who had been looking forward to the festivities, spontaneously lighted the lights in their houses and went out into the streets.
Ever since the people of Lyon light up their city on December 8th for the celebration of The Immaculate Conception.
Here's a link to the official website:
http://www.lumieres.lyon.fr/lumieres/sections/fr (Frans)
http://www.lumieres.lyon.fr/lumieres/sections/en (Engels)
And some pictures: