Colors of Nantes - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

In the past, Nantes was known as a large industrial city, and now it is a major tourist center and a venue for many interesting holidays and international festivals. The most unusual holiday in the calendar of Nantes is La Folle Journée, a classical music festival whose name is translated from French as "Crazy Day". This festival got its name in honor of Beaumarchais' famous play and was first held in 1995. Its founder was the renowned producer Rene Martin. In the mid-90s, he decided to draw public attention to classical music, which has lost its former popularity in recent years.

He decided to organize short concerts, the duration of which wouldn't exceed 45 minutes, and make tickets as cheap as possible. In a matter of years, the festival has gained immense popularity, and now its program covers as many as five days. Concert venues located in Nantes can no longer ensure the full implementation of the program, so some surrounding cities take part in the festival too. A certain theme is chosen for the festival every year - the event is traditionally dedicated to the work of a certain composer.

The city's main musical festival takes place in early February, and in November, Nantes hosts the Festival des 3 Continents. It is one of the oldest film festivals in France that has been held annually since 1979. The event is dedicated to the national cinema of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Over the years of its existence, the program of this festival has also expanded significantly. Within its framework, they award honorary prizes to the best producers and actors and grants for the production of films. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Many tourists seek to visit Nantes on Christmas Eve when the city is enveloped in a unique festive atmosphere. The main streets and squares are decorated with festive garlands, bright decorations and souvenirs appear in shop windows. Travelers who visit Nantes during the Christmas holidays will have the opportunity to visit beautiful fairs, try popular treats, and watch exciting street performances. By tradition, the city’s largest Christmas market opens on Place Royale, and a smaller one can be visited on Place de commerce.

Besides traditional souvenirs and sweets, at every step they sell mulled wine, the aroma of which lingers in the air. Show programs are arranged for vacationers in the main city squares every evening, street musicians and artists perform near the shopping arcades. Mandatory festive attributes are carousels decorated with garlands installed in all public squares. It must be said that not only children, but also adults love to ride them - the townspeople enjoy their favorite childhood entertainment with great pleasure.

Local residents are distinguished by an indifferent attitude to art and culture, which finds expression in literally everything. Even old industrial facilities and structures that are no longer used for their intended purpose were turned into amazing works of industrial art. In 2007, the opening of Les Machines de l'île took place in Nantes after three years of construction.

The main objects of the theme park are sculptures inspired by the inventions of famous technicians and industrialists. All the sculptures created by specialists are movable, some of them are designed in such a way that it's possible to see the entire internal structure in detail. The main symbol of the theme park is a 12-meter-tall elephant. On its back, there is a special platform that can accommodate more than 50 people. Everyone can ride the elephant and enjoy the panorama of the city from above.

Visitors to the park will find incredible carousels that look pretty frightful and will appeal to thrill-seekers. Such an unusual amusement park serves as a reminder for locals and guests of Nantes that once it had the status of one of the largest industrial centers in the region. Devices and equipment that once brought industrial prosperity to the city are currently available for studying while playing. Nantes is an amazing city of contrasts that will please all fans of modern art, vibrant holidays and festivals.