Lyon Events and Festivals
Many of France’s national holidays are Catholic in nature, marked by family gatherings and traditional, often very formal, services in local churches. However, Lyon is hosting increasingly many cultural events that highlight the city’s culinary, art and historic traditions. Bear in mind that some of the biggest events are held biennial and therefore alternate every other year.
January
 New Year’s Day: a day of celebration for families and friends; most gather together for traditional feasts on the eve of the holiday before heading out into town as midnight and fireworks are launched. Locals once preferred to give gifts on this day rather than Christmas Day, and some traditionalists continue this practice.
 World Pastry Cup: held on odd-numbered years, this biennial event draws competitors who vie for the title of best pastry chef. These epicurean creations are judged on presentation, creativity and, of course, taste.
March
 Lyon International Fair: this is a massive exposition of silk, textiles and interior furnishings. While the majority of attendees are store owners and interior designers, this is also a good opportunity for tourists to seek out fashionable trends and modest furnishings to take back home.
April
 Gloubi Boulga Night: billed as an evening of animation, this event is packed with animated presentations and nostalgic tributes to cartoons and other animated programs that have captured viewers’ imaginations throughout the preceding decades.
Pâques: in a country where 90 per cent of its citizens are Catholic, Easter is an important religious holiday for French families. In the morning, children hunt for colourful Easter eggs and chocolates before families head to church for a traditional Easter Mass. This also marks the beginning of the high season for tourists.
June
 Nuit de Fourvière: held in the dual Roman amphitheatres on Fourvière Hill, the summer festival begins on 14 June and lasts until early August. Music, dancing, film and drama are part of the presentation. Big-name rock bands are often booked to headline these events. Website: www.nuitsdefourviere.org.
July
Bastille Day: celebrated on 14 June, Bastille Day is an important national holiday throughout France. The president may traditionally pardon a few petty offenders as a measure of charity on this occasion. A parade and fireworks (launched on the eve of the holiday) are held in Lyon.
August
 Feast of the Assumption: business close and families attend a special Mass preceding a lavish feast that commemorates Mary’s last day on earth and subsequent passage (of Assumption) into the heavenly realm.
September
 Biennale de la Danse: the Dance Biennial takes place in September on even-numbered years. The event is always themed, and there are more than 100 performances staged around Lyon as well as a massive 4,500-member dancing parade. Mass dancing classes also coach crowds of thousands in popular steps and routines. Website: www.biennale-de-lyon.org.
 Foire aux Tupiniers: this pottery fair is a massive exposition showcasing the work of local artisans. Phone: +33 4 7837 0068.
October
Red Carpet Antiques Festival: a long red carpet is unfurled on rue Auguste Compte on October’s first Thursday. The street is closed to automobiles and collections of antiques spill out of their shops into storefront displays perused by pedestrians. Area bouchons cater for hungry antique shoppers and live jazz performances are on the schedule.
 La Semaine du Goût: during this weeklong food festival, restaurants in Lyon offer unique creations that showcase the epicurean prowess of their resident chefs. Venues offer tastings, workshops, classes and professional fairs, most of which are free to the public.
November
 Festival du Vieux Lyon: this festival of music which spans the months of November and December. The program includes Baroque- and Renaissance-era performances that hosted in multiple historic venues across the old city including the Cathedral of St Jean and the Chapel of the Trinity.
December
 Lyon Lumière: during four days in early December, Lyon undergoes a luminous transformation. This occasion officially celebrates the Immaculate Conception, though recent celebrations have achieved broader scope that layers massive layers of presentation over the traditional candlelight vigil. More than 4 million visitors arrive annually to view the vast collection of holiday light displays. Recent programmes have included a vibrant laser-light show and the transformation of Louis XIV’s bronze statue into an enormous snow globe.
 Christmas: Christmas is widely celebrated across France and Lyon is no exception. Of particular interest are the season marketplaces in Place Carnot, where vendors deal in seasonal gourmet food, mulled wine, handicrafts and Christmas trees. Christmas carollers are also a common sight. Family reunions are an important part of the holiday season, and many still attend the traditional midnight mass which is followed by the Feast of Réveillon.
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