Colors of Menton - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Menton is an established place for holding of one of the brightest and most remarkable world holidays being the Lemon Festival. The city is actually a place of birth of the world renowned fest. The festival takes place in March and lasts for 15 days. During this period the streets of the city are filled with concert stages and open air cafes, one can meet people dressed in festive costumes and street artists performing the pedestrians their abilities and acting skills right in the streets. Jolly clowns and acrobats, brass bands and bright parades, kids performances and engaging contests fill the city with bright colors and inimitable atmosphere of joy for the entire 15 days.

An established spot of the city of holding the festival is the Bioves garden. The garden is equipped for the period of festival with huge wooden constructions being up to 10m in height. The constructions are decorated with ripe lemon and orange fruits. Citrus structures look rather weird and impressive.

The La Promenade du Soleil embankment witnesses the brightest cart parade. The carts are also decorated with fruits. The night brings the time for carnivals. Local folks start preparations for the festive marches and parades long before the festival opening. Each trait of their costumes is rather well thought out. City guests can also take part in the festive marches. Kids will also be entertained with various engaging and interesting events and a bright carnival. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the highlights of the event schedule is the theatrical performances narrating the guests of the city the history and traditions of Menton. Even late at night the city does not fall asleep. At night the city witnesses a great crafts fair. Local restaurants and street cafes serve their guests 24/7. Travelers being lucky to visit the Menton city during the festival should also pay a visit to the Palace of Europe (Palais de l’Europe).

Each year the palace features a great exhibition of orchids which will be of great interest for all bar none travelers and city guests. The territory of the palace features a so called “Lemon Shop” which offers the customers various sweets made of citrus, as well as fresh fruits. The Lemon Festival is unimaginable without walking tours through scenic gardens. The most magnificent green areas are set near the Carnole Palace (Palais Carnolès). The excursions through wild garden greenery are held by the gardeners themselves that makes the tours even more exciting. The festival closes with grand pyrotechnic show in the Bastion bay (la baie du Bastion).

Besides the Lemon Festival, Menton holds no less remarkable holidays deserving the attention of every visitor to the city. The Festival de Musique de Menton, during which one can listen to amazing classical music performances at various cultural institutions, is one of the most significant events. Among its participants are both eminent orchestras and those thanks to whom it is possible to discover new names in symphonic music. The venues include Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs Chapel, Parvis Saint Michel Basilica, and Palais de l'Europe Cultural Center. Classical music concerts can be enjoyed throughout two weeks in August (the festival starts at the beginning of the month).

The beginning of the first autumn month is marked by a unique event called Course de Côte Régionale. Thanks to the length of the track, there is enough space for all spectators to line up along the road and enjoy a good view of the race. The show is the most spectacular and colorful in the region, so many sports enthusiasts are eager to visit it. Grand Prix de Karting is held within the framework of the events, and among other things, there is a special sports program for children from 7 to 10 years old, so that travelers who come with small tourists don't get bored.

Movie buffs and science fiction fans feel great at the Festival International du Cinéma Fantastique de Menton, during which visitors are shown fantasy and sci-fi novelties. The venue is the gorgeous Casino Barrière de Menton where movie premieres are available for watching in mid-October. In the middle of the next autumn month, a wonderful photo exhibition called PhotoMenton Festival is held in the city. Various cultural institutions in Menton such as museums, exhibition centers, art galleries welcome the best photographers arriving from all over the world to demonstrate their photographic art skills for nine days. Apart from exhibitions, master classes from professional photographers are available for visitors.