Colors of Lyon - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The Festival of Lights is considered the most striking cultural event in the Lyon. Festival takes place in mid-December and lasts for four days. Holiday attracts illumination experts from different countries. The festival is accompanied by a number of interesting events, including performances by musicians and acrobats, light shows and fairs. The most exciting and captivating performances are held in the evening, when the city's main sights are illuminated with hundreds of twinkling lights.

It is particularly interesting to watch the laser show; facades of old buildings and palaces are covered with color images of great beauty and various metamorphoses occur with those buildings. They can be deformed and bizarrely twisted, they change the shape and arrangement of elements in rays of laser illuminators. Such ideas seem amazing. Sometimes, optical and lighting effects are so realistic that it can be very difficult to distinguish illusion from reality. During those four days, no less than fifty performances are held, each of which is unique and unrepeatable.

Surprises await guests of the festival at every step. For example, figures of exotic animals can be found strolling stately in one of city's malls; theaters and museums are transformed into huge gaming machines; all historical sights are changing their appearance completely. The beautiful and unique festival was first celebrated a century and a half ago; at that time the reason for the event was the end of plague. Naturally, first holidays were significantly different from modern ones. Townspeople have lit bonfires and arranged funny performances, treated each other with festive delicacies and gave presents. Each year, a colorful event is visited by three million foreign travelers wishing to enjoy a spectacular show and take part in recreational activities. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Music lovers will enjoy another festival - Nuits sonores. It is held in late May and is dedicated to electronic music. The festival always attracts a great number of popular performers. Les Nuits de Fourvière Festival is held in summer; an ancient theater has been its main site of action for many years. Festival is dedicated to contemporary theater, cinema and music.

Beers lover feel at home in the gastronomic capital of France - the latter prefer to visit the French city in late April when the Lyon Biere Festival is held here. At this time, hundreds of French, Belgian, and German brewing companies present their best products. Visitors to the festival can enjoy conferences, during which they learn a lot of new and interesting information about beers and their production. And, of course, the event wouldn't be complete without beer tastings so that festival participants can choose the best drinks. All this happens at Le Sucre Concert Hall.

Many associate France with thrillers and detectives, including books, comics, and films of this genre. The Quais du Polar Festival is dedicated to these particular genres. Here, authors writing in the appropriate style, as well as directors of thrillers and detectives, join visitors to the festival at meets-and-greets, conferences, seminars. Such famous figures as Frederic Dard, Jacques Deray, and Bertrand Tavernier took part in the event at different times. TheQuais du Polar involves theater performances, exhibitions, and games related to the theme of the festival. The 4-day event takes place at different venues throughout Lyon, the main venue is the Palais du Commerce.

Comic books are also loved in France, and the Lyon BD taking place in early June owes its existence to this big love. The abbreviation "BD" in French means "Bande Dessinée" - the "ninth art", comics. The festival is so popular that hundreds of other events are held within its framework, and no superhero could manage to fit into one cultural institution. That is why the event occupies different venues in Lyon - concert halls, theaters, exhibition complexes, cultural centers, museums, cinemas, even restaurants and cafes. At specially organized meet-and-greets, one can get acquainted with BD authors. Visitors can also enjoy theater performances, art exhibitions, fairs, music concerts, as well as learn new things during masterclasses.

Another noteworthy event is called the Jungle Art Urban Festival, and it is organized twice a year: in late February and early September. A visit to the fest is a great opportunity to explore the local culture and art. At the Le Croiseur Theater, one can take part in art exhibitions, masterclasses (in such genres of graffiti, ceramics, screen printing), musical performances, theatrical and dance shows. The festival often opens new talents, as it is visited not only by eminent artists and performers, due to which innovation in art is constantly evolving.