Every year in early December, Lyon, France, embraces its most enchanting moment of the year—the Festival of Lights. This event, a fusion of history, creativity, and art, transforms the city into a fantastical theater of light and shadow.
In 2024, the Festival of Lights will take place from December 5th to 8th, showcasing 32 installations, including 25 iconic pieces from the festival’s history. It offers visitors a remarkable experience that combines nostalgia with innovation.
“Mother”
The façade of Saint-Jean Cathedral comes alive with the embellishment of lights and abstract art. Through contrasting colors and rhythmic transitions, the installation showcases the power and beauty of nature. It feels as though the elements of wind and water flow across the architecture, immersing visitors in the embrace of nature, accompanied by a fusion of real and surreal music.
“The Love of Snowballs”
“I Love Lyon” is a whimsical and nostalgic piece that places the Louis XIV statue at Place Bellecour inside a giant snow globe. Since its debut in 2006, this iconic installation has been a favorite among visitors. Its return this year is sure to evoke warm memories once again, adding a touch of romance to the Festival of Lights.
“Child of Light”
This installation weaves a touching story along the banks of the Saône River: how an eternally glowing filament guides a child to discover a whole new world. The black-and-white pencil sketch projections, paired with blues music, create a profound and heartwarming artistic atmosphere that draws viewers into its embrace.
“Act 4″
This masterpiece, created by renowned French artist Patrice Warrener, is a true classic. Known for his chromolithography techniques, Warrener uses vibrant lights and intricate details to showcase the enchanting beauty of the Jacobins Fountain. Accompanied by music, visitors can quietly admire every detail of the fountain and experience the magic of its colors.
“The Return of Anooki”
The two lovable Inuits, Anooki, are back! This time, they’ve chosen nature as their backdrop, in contrast to their previous urban installations. Their playful, curious, and energetic presence fills Parc de la Tête d’Or with a joyful atmosphere, inviting both adults and children to share a mutual longing for and love of nature.
《Boum de Lumières》
The essence of the Festival of Lights is vividly showcased here. Parc Blandan has been thoughtfully designed to offer interactive experiences perfect for families and young people alike. Activities such as the Light Foam Dance, Light Karaoke, Glow-in-the-Dark Masks, and Video Projection Painting bring endless joy to every participant.
“The Return of the Little Giant”
The Little Giant, who first debuted in 2008, makes a grand return to Place des Terreaux! Through vibrant projections, audiences follow the footsteps of the Little Giant to rediscover the magical world inside a toy box. This is not only a whimsical journey but also a profound reflection on poetry and beauty.
“Ode to Women”
This installation at the Basilica of Fourvière features rich 3D animations and a variety of vocal performances, ranging from Verdi to Puccini, from traditional arias to modern choral works, paying tribute to women. It perfectly blends grandeur with delicate artistry.
“Coral Ghosts: A Lament of the Deep”
Have you ever wondered what the vanished beauty of the deep sea might look like? In Coral Ghosts, displayed at Place de la République, 300 kilograms of discarded fishing nets are given a new life, transformed into the fragile yet stunning coral reefs of the ocean. Lights dance across the surface like whispers of their stories. This is not merely a visual feast but also a heartfelt “environmental love letter” to humanity, urging us to reflect on the future of marine ecosystems.
“Winter Blooms: A Miracle from Another Planet”
Can flowers bloom in winter? In Winter Blooms, displayed at Parc de la Tête d’Or, the answer is a resounding yes. The delicate, swaying “flowers” dance with the wind, their colors shifting unpredictably, as if from an unknown world. Their glow reflects between the branches, creating a poetic canvas. This is not just a beautiful sight; it feels like nature’s gentle question: “How do you perceive these changes? What do you wish to protect?”
《Laniakea horizon 24》 ：”Cosmic Rhapsody”
At Place des Terreaux, the cosmos feels within arm’s reach! Laniakea horizon24 returns to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Festival of Lights, a decade after its first display at the same location. Its name, both mysterious and enchanting, comes from the Hawaiian language, meaning “vast horizon.” The piece is inspired by the cosmic map created by Lyon astrophysicist Hélène Courtois and features 1,000 floating light spheres and giant galaxy projections, offering a stunning visual experience. It immerses viewers in the vastness of the galaxy, allowing them to feel the mystery and enormity of the universe.
“The Dance of Stardust: A Poetic Journey Through the Night Sky”
As night falls, glowing clusters of “stardust” appear in the air above Parc de la Tête d’Or, gently swaying. They evoke the image of fireflies dancing in a summer night, but this time, their purpose is to awaken our awe for the beauty of nature. The combination of light and music reaches perfect harmony in this moment, immersing the audience in a fantastical world, filled with gratitude and emotion for the natural world.
Source: Official Website of the Lyon Festival of Lights, Lyon City Promotion Office
Post time: Dec-10-2024