Colors of Dijon - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The capital of Burgundy impresses right from the first moment one sees it. The skyline of Dijon is the first thing that draws the attention of tourists, and it becomes clear why the city is informally known as “the city of a hundred bell towers”. Besides that, the home city of the Dukes of Burgundy is an incredibly pleasant place. Sometimes it feels like Dijon hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages. Local people are friendly and big-hearted. They are used to a big number of tourists from different parts of the world and are, actually, proud of that fact. Tourists can always expect to get help from locals. They are easy to approach and to communicate, and they will do their best to help.

Indigenous people can talk on different subjects. French men are famous for their romantic approach to women, and local men are no exception. If some man likes a woman, he will try to conquer her heart using all his French gallantry and romance. Women receive many compliments and, of course, they are pleased to hear them. It is also important to notice that Dijon is one of the most romantic cities in France. There are many charming restaurants where visitors can enjoy precious moments with their beloved ones. Exploring Dijon together is truly unforgettable – it is a dream of any romantic person.

It is not hard to endear local people – all tourists need to do is to speak French. English is not very popular in the region. That said, if tourists do not know the French language, it is enough to learn several phrases in French and then start speaking English. Visitors who know French will find it easy to understand locals – the dialect and accent are not complicated in the region and are not much different from the classic French language. Perhaps, some simplicity is the only difference. Local people like to use the phrase “du coup”. Perhaps, Dijon residents say it more often than other expressions (the phrase means “so” or “as a result”). There are other word combinations that are popular in the region, but tourists will hear them significantly less often. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Just like Lion, the gastronomic capital of France, Dijon is famous for its cuisine. Perhaps, most travelers recall the legendary Dijon mustard when they hear the name of this French city. However, there are other local specialties that are worth trying, such as Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails with garlic oil), Bœuf Bourguignon (Burgundy beef with red wine), Coq au Vin (peacock stewed in wine), Pauchouse (fish stew), and Anis de Flavigny (anise candies). Without a doubt, wine is the most popular alcoholic drink. The legendary La Route des Grands Crus starts near Dijon, so this region is well-known for its quality wine. Locals also like Cassis, the blackcurrant liqueur, and grape vodka.

Tourists can try all these and many other interesting dishes during Foire Internationale et Gastronomique. This event starts at the end of October and lasts until mid-November in Parc Des Expositions Et Congrès. At the fair, attendees can not only try local dishes but also learn how to choose the best wine and food. It is safe to say that this is one of the largest gastronomic festivals in whole France. There is a proof to that – approximately 200,000 visitors attend the fair trade every year. Moreover, the event’s visitors can get acquainted with culinary traditions of not only Burgundy but also other countries. Foire Internationale et Gastronomique is a themed event, so every year organizers pick one country that will its authentic cuisine during the event.

Festival Art Danse à Dijon is one more interesting event in the festival life of the home city of the Dukes of Burgundy. The dancing event lasts a whole month, starting in mid-January and ending in the middle of the next month. Guests of the festival can see both traditional ballroom dances and modern dances, including styles that will impress and amaze even true connoisseurs. Among participants of the festival, there are dancers from different parts of the world and dancers born in France. It is an incredibly beautiful event that is sure to bring aesthetic pleasure to everyone.

Festival International de Folklore et Fête de la Vigne or simply Fête de la Vigne is one more famous event that Dijon is famous for. The popular festival takes place in Cellier de Clairvaux at the end of August. This is the time for sampling wine and various appetizers, master classes, seminars, consultations, and, of course, colorful performances and after parties. Visitors will learn many things that they cannot find on the Internet. Winemakers will share some secrets on how to make Burgundy correctly and what is the main secret of such rich taste and fragrance of the drink.

After the gastronomic festival, namely, at the end of August or at the beginning of September, one more interesting event starts in Dijon - Festival de Musiques et Danses Populaires. This festival takes place in the same venue, in Cellier de Clairvaux. Festival de Musiques et Danses Populaires has a rich and diverse schedule where everyone finds something interesting. The event features performances of musicians and music bands from different countries of the world, interesting national parades prepared by participants, and unforgettable dancing shows. This is the time when not only the venue that hosts the performances becomes the epicenter of fun and entertainment but also all central streets of the native city of Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.

Tourists with children are advised to visit Dijon in February because this is the time when the city hosts À Pas Contés Festival. This is an excellent event for the whole family. Children can visit absolutely fabulous concerts, including music, theatre, and circus performances; exciting master classes, workshops, contests, and art exhibitions. Of course, there are many surprises that await attendees of the event because the schedule of the festival is different every year. Besides that, this is a wonderful event thanks to which kids can learn a lot of new information on different subjects. Professional performers from different parts of the world entertain kids and make sure they are never bored. The fantastic event takes place in Côte d'Or Tourisme.

Le festival de Dijon Bourgogne des Musiques Sacrées du Monde Nouvelle Réalité, which takes place at the beginning of October, attracts all fans of sacred music to the native city of the Dukes of Burgundy. The festival’s events take place in several spots in the city.

Le festival de Dijon Bourgogne des Musiques Sacrées du Monde Nouvelle Réalité is an incredibly interesting dialogue between cultures, customs, and traditions of different countries. Participants of the festival come from different countries and perform their most famous national sacred music and songs.