What is the origin of the festival of lights of Lyon ?

For many years, Tourists from all over the world have visited Lyon during the Festival of Lights. Many of them do not know the origin of such an event so, let us reveal the history of this festival, which takes place around the 8th of December.

The first church of Gaule took place in Lyon with Saint Irenee and Saint Polycarpe in 177 AD. The town of Lyon has a long spiritual and religious history. The resident of Lyon have asked the Virgin Mary’ protection several times during these centuries.

In the 19th century, inhabitants of Lyon built a basilica to thank Her for all she did for them.

In 1852, the sculptor, Flabisch, was ordered to sculpt a statue of the Virgin Mary for the bell tower of the Basilica. The official opening was planed for the 8th of September. Unfortunately, the Saône river flooded the sculptor’s workshop meaning he was unable to finish his work on time.

The inauguration was postponed to the 8th of December (the day of Immaculate Conception).

The 8th of December, 1852, the Virgin’s statue was ready but it rained all day long. The ceremony with the firework couldn’t be done. People were very disappointed and went back home. In the evening, the sky brightened, and the rain stopped. People want to thank the Virgin Mary. Spontaneously, People lit candles and put them at their window. Everyone imitated their neighbour and the town lit up. The archbishop did the same and the Basilica of Fourviere illuminated the night.

From that night onwards, People illuminated the town with little candles called « lumignons », every 8th of December.

From 1989, the city council decided to illuminate the most important buildings of the town. Squares, roads and buildings set alight through a show of lights. The enthusiasm of the public grows every year. The festival of lights, with religious roots, fills 3 million people with wonder, each year.