Many countries around the world celebrate Halloween as a holiday. It is observed on the eve of All Saints’ Day, October 31, and hence has close association with this Christian holiday.

In France, Halloween is celebrated in much the same way as it is in most other countries, although it is not one of its traditional holidays. For example, the French also do these famous activities during Halloween:

? They attend costume parties, wearing costumes associated with the occasion.

? Children go trick-or-treating in Halloween costumes from house to house.

? People make jack-o’-lanterns (carved pumpkins).

? They go on ghost tours or visit haunted attractions.

? People do pranks or tell scary stories.

Halloween to the French was a virtual “unknown” until foreign influence (mostly from tourists and foreigners residing in France) slowly opened the eyes and minds of the French toward it. And as the French started to become familiar with Halloween little by little because of said foreign influence, extensive corporate marketing accelerated their understanding of it.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Here are some examples of how Halloween was (and still is) actively marketed into the French consciousness:

? A restaurant-bar in Paris is said to be the first such establishment in France to celebrate Halloween. This was in 1982. The owners, at first, had to make their customers understand what the celebration was all about. It took about 13 years (i.e., 13 celebrations) for the bar’s customers to become fully cognizant of Halloween.

? The owners of the Masked Museum, which is located in the merged municipalities of Saint-Hilaire and Saint-Florent, began expanding the reach of Halloween in France a year after they opened the museum in 1992.

? Confiseries (candy stores) and pastry shops decorate their counters and windows with things associated with Halloween; products here are ladled with icing in the two colors the occasion is noted for – black and orange.

? Giant companies and big businesses use Halloween symbols and images in their advertisements and marketing campaigns whenever the occasion is nearing.

Today, people in France – young and old alike – attend Halloween costume parties. They wear scary costumes, such as those that make them look like a ghost, vampire, mummy, or a witch. This is one aspect in which France may be a little different in its celebration of Halloween from, say, the United States, where nonscary costumes (cartoon characters or superheroes, for example) are the preferred “disguises”.

The idea of celebrating Halloween in a rather commercialized atmosphere is something that some people in France do not really appreciate. Some, in fact, are still not fully aware what exactly is being celebrated when the day comes. The reason for this is that the predominant religion in France is Roman Catholicism, and Halloween is not an occasion recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.

Still, many French, for hundreds of years, have already been observing Halloween in traditional ways the day is celebrated – visiting cemeteries and decorating the graves of their deceased relatives and friends, attending special church services, and honoring Saints. Of course, such celebration of Halloween in France coincides with the observance of La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day, November 1) and Le Jour des Morts (All Souls’ Day, November 2).

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Most countries have public holidays whose dates are movable. That is, they are not fixed to a specific day of the calendar year. In France, they have thirteen public holidays, five of which have movable dates. These are as follows:

1. Pâques (Easter) – This is the most important religious celebration in France, and is in fact considered the holiest day in the Christian calendar. The day is a commemoration of Christ’s resurrection and marks the end of Lent.

Based on the Christian liturgical year, Easter is celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the day of the occurrence of the vernal equinox. By simple definition, vernal equinox is a specific time of the year when day and night are about the same in duration.

Doing away with such technical terms, France will celebrate Easter on these dates of the next five years: April 4, 2010, April 24, 2011, April 8, 2012, March 31, 2013, and April 20, 2014.

2. Lundi de Pâques (Easter Monday) – This is actually an extra public holiday in France as well as in some other Christian countries. Understandably, this celebration moves in relation to the moving date of Pâques. For the next five years, therefore, France will celebrate Easter Monday on the following dates: April 5, 2010, April 25, 2011, April 9, 2012, April 1, 2013, and April 21, 2014.

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3. L’Ascencion (Ascension Day) – In the Christian doctrine, Jesus, following his resurrection, ascended to Heaven in the presence of his eleven disciples. While some countries observe this holy day on the immediate Sunday forty days after Easter, France retained the traditional Christian celebration of the Thursday that is exactly the 40th day from Easter.

Hence, France will celebrate l’Ascencion every year, from 2010 to 2014, on these dates: May 13, 2010, June 2, 2011, May 17, 2012, May 9, 2013, and May 29, 2014.

4. Pentecôte (Pentecost) – The Pentecost, which is also called Whitsun, is another important religious feast in the Christian calendar. It is the commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ eleven disciples. Observance of this feast is on the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Because it always falls on a Sunday, the Pentecost is automatically a public holiday. In France, la Pentecôte will be observed in the next five years, beginning 2010, on these dates: May 23, 2010, June 12, 2011, May 27, 2012, May 19, 2013, and June 8, 2014.

5. Lundi de Pentecôte (Whit Monday) – This is another extra public holiday in France. It is observed on the Monday immediately following la Pentecôte. Therefore, France will observe Whit Monday on these dates: May 24, 2010, June 13, 2011, May 28, 2012, May 20, 2013, and June 9, 2014.

In the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, Good Friday is also observed as a public holiday. The two provinces’ dates of celebration of this holy day are on April 2, 2010, April 22, 2011, April 6, 2012, March 29, 2013, and April 18, 2014.

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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

This article explains a few things about France Holidays, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

France celebrates a total of thirteen public holidays, or jours feriés, every year. Of these, eight are observed on fixed dates, which include three important religious celebrations. These eight fixed-dated French public holidays are listed below, in the order of their occurrence.

1. Le Jour de l’An (New Year’s Day) – France, like most other countries, celebrates New Year’s Day on January 1, the first day based on the Gregorian calendar. The highlight of activities on this holiday, again like in many countries, takes place at midnight that spans the last day of the old year (December 31) to the first day of the new year. Observance of the New Year lasts up to January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.

2. Fête du Travail (Labor Day) – There probably isn’t a country that does not observe Labor Day, for on this day workers celebrate their social and economic achievements. In France, Labor Day is celebrated in conjunction with the celebration of “Le Jour du Muguet”. In this latter celebration, workers sell “muguet” (lily of the valley) on the streets to raise funds for labor unions. May 1 is the date when France, and almost all countries, celebrates Labor Day.

3. Victoire 1945 (Victory in Europe Day) – This public holiday is celebrated in France on May 8. It is a celebration of the victory of the Allied Powers (of which France was a member) against Nazi Germany that signaled the end of World War II.

4. Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) – This is the National Day of France, which is celebrated on July 14 every year. The celebration is a commemoration of the storming of the medieval fortress and prison known as the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789, that paved the way for the rise of modern France.

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5. Assomption (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) – Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in France, and the Assomption is one of the most important religious celebrations in this country. This August 15 celebration is an observance of the taking up into Heaven, body and soul, of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

6. Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) – This is another important religious celebration in France, which is observed on November 1 each year. The day is celebrated in honor of all the Saints who are recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. Traditionally on this day too, deceased family members and friends are remembered and prayed for.

7. Armistice 1918 (Armistice Day) – This holiday, which is also called Remembrance Day, is celebrated on November 11. It is a commemoration of the signing of the armistice or cessation of hostilities by and between the Allies of World War I and Germany. The event is especially important for France since it was in the French commune of Compiègne where the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. Through this momentous event, World War I eventually ended.

8. Noël (Christmas Day) – This is the most joyful religious celebration in France, as it is in many parts of the world. It is celebrated on December 25 in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The Christmas season actually is one of the longest holidays in France, which is celebrated beginning on Christmas eve (December 24) up to the feast of the Epiphany on January 6 the following year.

In the eastern provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, the day after Christmas Day (December 26), which is referred to as the Second Day of Christmas, is also celebrated as a public holiday.

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

This article explains a few things about France Holidays, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Summer anywhere always means taking long trips, going on camping, or enjoying the scenic beauty, fine sand and cool waters of beaches. In France, l’été (summer) is a great time for such activities, especially since practically all businesses, offices, and schools are closed during this long period.

Although France is not always on top of the list of summer vacation destinations, those who’ve been to this beautiful country were quick to realize that its geographical position makes it really an ideal summer getaway, with miles and miles of beaches that line its shores. This is because France is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, two of the world’s vast bodies of water.

Here are some of the best beach destinations in France where summer vacationers can have a really good time:

Villefranche-sur-Mer:

This beach destination is famous for its coarse sand and tranquil environment. It’s a low-profile getaway ideal for those who prefer a quieter time. The place is also highly preferred by sunbathers. Visitors here will find a market, a few cafes, and some shops. The beach is just a few minutes away from the city of Nice.

Cap Ferret:

This place is a cape that forms a sandspit. To the east lies the Arcachon Bay, while the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west. This makes it an ideal resort, as it provides beaches on either side. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and even fishing. The place is noted for its famous lighthouse and vacationers have no problem with accommodation as there are hotels right inside here. The resort is very near the port city of Bordeaux.

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Argeles-sur-Mer:

This is one of the most frequented resorts in France during l’été holidays. The beach stretches along the entire length of the popular French Red Coast (“Cote Vermeille”). Shops and cafes add to vacationers’ convenience here. The place is close to Perpignan, the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, and is a short drive to Spain.

Saint-Jean de Luz:

This is another one of the favorite beach destinations in France, especially because of its fine sand. The place sits right in the center of the Northern Basque Country. A vacationer to this place often gets the feeling of still being in a city because of the many shops, cafes, and markets that are present here. The feeling, of course, is more of an appreciation for such conveniences than anything else.

La Grande Motte:

Among French vacationers, this resort is perhaps the most popular. One will find that time quickly passes here because of the many things he/she can do in this place. Besides the usual beach activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, those who spend their summer here can also enjoy playing tennis or golf, go on nature hiking, or catch sight of white horses and flamingoes. Children can also have a great time at the resort’s water park.

Of course there are many other beach destinations in France that are equally great as those already mentioned here. Those in the coasts of Brittany and Normandy, for example, are ideal places as well for l’été getaway.

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Each year on June 21, the air in France is filled with music of all types. This is the day when Fête de la Musique is celebrated in many places across the country. Fête de la Musique translates to World Music Day, an event introduced by the Ministry for Culture of France in 1982.

This French event is very popular for several reasons. One, participation in the event is free (that is, musicians perform for free and the public can enjoy attending the event without paying any fee). Two, anybody who’s got talent for music (young or old) may join the event. Three, soloists, duets or groups are encouraged to participate. And four, participants can render or perform any kind or type of music. The promotional slogan for the event – “Faites de la musique” (make music) – is apt in this regard.

Another important thing that adds to the popularity of the event is the laxity by which venues are chosen. What this means is that the event may be held almost anywhere – in the streets, inside rooms of public buildings, in parks, at train stations, or even inside historic castles. Of these, the streets of France are the preferred venues of many participants.

The idea behind the launching of Fête de la Musique (and its yearly holding) is to enliven the atmosphere with the liberal expression of all types of music – avant, country, fabulous, hip hop, instrumental, jazz, Latin, pop, techno, and trance. It is an opportunity for people of all ages and from all social backgrounds to communicate through music. Any event of this kind certainly promises a special moment for everyone.

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As the event tends to lure wide participation from among the thousands of amateur and professional musicians in France, so too is its aim of attracting a large audience. Both are possible because people are music lovers by nature, and expressing oneself through music is a great way for releasing one’s inner burdens. Along this line, it must be mentioned here that some of the day’s concerts are held right inside hospitals or prisons to help cheer patients/inmates up even for just a few hours.

Also the event can serve as a conduit for the transfer and exchange of the different styles of music between cities or regions. For this purpose, participation of large music groups (choirs or orchestras) is important and, therefore, encouraged. Likewise, based on past events, young musicians get the chance of meeting noted music talents and learn many things from them.

From France, the World Music Day has spread to cities of other countries. These include Brisbane (Australia), Sulaymaniyah (Iraqi Kurdistan), Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (Israel), Glasgow and Edinburgh (Scotland), London (England), and New York City and Cambridge (United States), among others.

The World Music Day celebrations in many cities outside France were initially organized by the French Embassies in those places. Later, local organizers took over and the event’s holding date of June 21 was maintained.

Beyond the usual hours that Fête de la Musique is held, amateur musicians may continue performing in public places. However, French authorities may impose noise restrictions or stop the concerts altogether in areas where the general public may ask that such performances be ended.

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

May 1 is International Workers’ Day, or simply Labor Day, in many countries around the world. In France, the day is referred to as “Fête du Travail”. The day is celebrated with parades and demonstrations organized by trade unions and other similar workers’ organizations. These moves are aimed at campaigning for the rights of workers and airing their demands, which are directed at businesses and concerned government agencies.

Fête du Travail is a public holiday in France. Most businesses, shops, and stores are closed on this day; so are banks and post offices. Schedules of public transport service are different on this day from those of the regular working days of the week. This is because of the disruptions to traffic that the said demonstrations and parades are expected to cause.

On April 23, 1919, France officially adopted the 8-hour working day. That same year, May 1 became a public holiday in that country. But it was almost 30 years later when this day was started to be used as an occasion for celebrating and campaigning for the rights of workers. The yearly campaigns led to several changes in labor rules and laws.

Some of the conditions and regulations included in the present French labor laws are as follows:

? The levels of “salaire” (salary) are fixed by mutual agreement between employer and employee. The salary of an employee indicated in the contract is usually expressed in annual gross figure.

? The Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance (SMIC) guarantees minimum hourly wage. This means that the wage payment to an employee should not go below the minimum level as provided for in the SMIC.

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? “Temps de travail” (legal working hours) per week is fixed at thirty-five hours. This rule, however, does not apply to limited liability company managers, executives, sales representatives, domestic staff, and other employees with special working conditions.

? Employees are entitled to five weeks of paid vacation every year. The five weeks are distributed at two and a half days for every month worked.

? “Congé de maternité” (maternity leave) entitles every mother to no less than 16 weeks of paid leave. “Congé de paternité” (paternity leave), on the other hand, provides a new father 11 days of paid leave, taken consecutively within 4 months of the birth.

It is interesting to note that the lily of the valley is the symbol the French used for this occasion. Bouquets of this flower are traditionally given to loved ones during this day. This tradition is very much alive particularly in the administrative region of Île-de-France.

History has it that King Charles IX of France was gifted with lily of the valley flowers on May 1, 1561. The king appreciated the present so much. Every year on May 1 from then on, he gave the same flowers to every lady of his court.

Today, French families living in country areas wake up very early in the morning of May 1 each year to go into the woods and pick lily of the valley flowers. Workers and students in urban areas sell bouquets of the flower door-to-door or on the streets to raise funds for labor organizations.

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about France Holidays, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about France Holidays.

Christmas is a major occasion celebrated, as a public holiday, on December 25 by many countries around the world. In France, this special day is called “Noel”. The French celebrate Noel in much the same way as people of other nations do. While there may be some marked differences in certain aspects, many of the ways by which Christmas is celebrated are common among many countries.

Giving of gifts and putting up decorations are just two of the traditions that are associated with celebrating Christmas. A visitor to France, spending Christmas for the first time there, will surely find many things about the French celebration of the holidays similar to those familiar in his home country.

Christmas decorations:

1. Creche – The “creche” (Nativity scene) is an important part of the Christmas celebration in France, and almost every French home as well as churches has one. Little figures made of clay, called “santons” (little saints), are arranged in the creche to depict the Holy Family, the Magi, and the shepherds. In addition to these familiar figures, the French creche may also include other figures in the form of local characters. The santons are often colorfully made to add life to the creche.

2. Sapin de Noel – The putting up of “sapin de Noel” (Christmas tree) is a tradition that began in France in the 18th century. The tree is adorned with ribbons, flowers made of paper, and, sometimes, with apples. Today, however, the Christmas tree is no longer as popular as it is in other countries.

3. Le Gui – The hanging of “le gui” (the mistletoe) above the door is a tradition meant to bring good fortune to homes and families. The French make use of the mistletoe though more during the New Year celebrations.

Traditional Christmas foods served:

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1. Foie Gras – The “foie gras” (fat liver) is perhaps the most popular French food served during the Christmas season. It is made of goose or duck liver that has been fattened through some special feeding process.

2. Crepes – These are very thin pancakes made from wheat flour. Common crepe fillings are ham, eggs, mushrooms, and cheese. Those who prefer their crepes sweet can have them filled with fruit spreads, maple syrup, or simply with powdered sugar.

3. Dinde Aux Marrons – This is a special food served in many homes in France during Christmas. It is turkey stuffed with chestnuts.

Other foods traditionally served during Christmas in France include “chapon” (roasted chicken), oysters, and smoked salmon. For desserts, there are “buche de Noel” (cake made of chestnuts and chocolate and shaped into a log), “calissons” (fruit-flavored candies), and quince cheese (a sweet, thick jelly).

Traditional French Christmas carols:

The most popular traditional songs heard around France during the Christmas season include “Minuit Chretiens” (“O Holy Night”), “Pat-a-pan” (similar in concept to “The Little Drummer Boy”), and “Quelle est cette odeur agreable?” (“Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?”).

Christmas is always a happy occasion, especially for children. In France, children expect to receive toys, candies, fruits and other gifts from “Pere Noel” (Santa Claus), by putting their shoes in front of the fireplace hoping that these will be filled with the goodies.

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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

So what is France Holidays really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about France Holidays–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

There are thirteen public holidays celebrated each year in France. In addition to these, French schools enjoy five sets of breaks, with at least two of these being two-week periods each.

A holiday is always an opportunity to get away from the boring daily routine of work or school. Choosing France as a vacation destination is always a good idea. The capital city of Paris offers lots of activities during any of the French holidays. Hotels in the city rank among the world’s best.

Here are five of the best hotels in Paris where families can stay and have full enjoyment of their first ever vacation in France:

Apollon Montparnasse:

This hotel was originally built in the 1930s to serve as apartments. Like in most other hotels in France, the rooms here are midsize and are very clean. The rates are likewise very reasonable. Situated in an ideal location in Montparnasse, the hotel lies adjacent to a number of really good restaurants, several shops, grocery stores and bakeries, and the metro. The hotel’s exact address is 91, rue de l’Ouest / street corner Pernety / 75014 Paris.

Bourgogne & Montana:

This is one of the oldest hotels in France, having been built around 1790. It consists of six floors and has small to midsize rooms. The hotel is just a couple of blocks from the Seine and lies across the Palais Bourbon. It is also close to some of the famous landmarks in Paris, such as the Jardin des Tuileries, the Place de la Concorde, and the Orsay Museum. The hotel is located at 3 rue de Bourgogne, Paris, 75007.

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Fouquet’s Barrière:

The spacious and luxurious rooms of this hotel are certainly its pride. Their features will make every guest feel important. The services offered in this hotel are considered to be among the best in the whole of Paris. Beside the hotel stands the equally famous restaurant with the same name. The hotel is located at 46 avenue George V 75008 Paris.

Golden Tulip Opéra de Noailles:

This hotel has rooms that offer all the comforts one will certainly look for in an accommodation. Some of the rooms even have their own patios and terraces. Close to the hotel are two of the most popular restaurants in Paris – Le Grand Véfour and Chez Drouant. Faubourg Saint Honoré, famous for its line of department stores and designer shops, is very near the hotel. The hotel is located at 9 rue de la Michodière, Paris, 75002.

Hôtel le Bristol:

This hotel stands close to the French President’s residence – the Palais d’Elysée. It is said that the hotel ranks third among the many luxurious hotels in Paris in terms of glamour and style. Built in 1924, the hotel is famous for its 18th century Parisian facade and for its opulent rooms. It is located at 112, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 75008 Paris.

Other hotels you may consider staying at when vacationing in Paris include the Hyatt Regency Paris-Madeleine (located at 24 bd. Malesherbes, Paris, 75008), L’Hôtel du Petit Moulin (located at 29-31 rue du Poitou, Paris, 75003) and Radisson Blu Le Dokhan’s Hotel (located at 117 rue Lauriston, Paris, 75116).

So now you know a little bit about France Holidays. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

The national holiday of France is observed on July 14 every year. Referred to as “La Fete Nationale” or “Le Quatorze Juillet” in French, this special day is a commemoration of the 1789 siege of the Bastille prison; hence, this day is also known as Bastille Day.

The Bastille fortress represented the absolutistic subjugation of the French people, so that it’s storming on July 14, 1789 signaled the French people’s defiance against that virtual one-man rule and gave birth to modern France. The significance of this event was that the French people realized that the real power was in their hands and not in their king’s.

On the morning of this important day, festive activities are held on the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Elysees in the capital city of Paris. The most prominent one, held right in front of the President of France, is the grand parade participated in by men and women from various units of the armed forces. These include those from La Royale (the French Navy), the elite Legion etrangere (the French Foreign Legion), and the Armee de l’Air (the French Air Force).

Even cadets from military schools and firefighters from the Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris (the Paris Fire Brigade) take part in the military parade, with the latter bringing up the rear. Above the parade route fly military aircraft (such as the Rafale and the Mirage F1). Thousands of people witness the parade as the President reviews the troops.

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Elsewhere, there are musical presentations, programs, and such other performances that highlight the French culture. Of course, the celebration is not complete without the usual spectacle – the fireworks display. For other people, the day is an occasion for simple family gatherings or enjoying the company of friends in excursions or outings.

The National Day of France has two important symbols: the Tricolore (the French national flag) and the Eiffel Tower. The latter is the most prominent symbol of France and is in fact that country’s world icon. The structure is noted for being the “single most visited paid monument in the world”, and this is especially true on Bastille Day.

The law that made July 14 France’s yearly national holiday was actually made official on July 6, 1880. Then, the French Interior Ministry recommended that the special day be observed with grandeur.

Interestingly, at least four other countries celebrate Bastille Day. The United Kingdom celebrates the day in various locations in England; Hungary celebrates it in its capital city Budapest; South Africa holds its celebrations in the old town of Franschhoek; and the United States has at least nine cities observing the day.

The cities of Baltimore, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle have large celebrations during this day. Included in these celebrations are musical performances, circus, and other forms of merrymaking. People in these cities go on picnics, partaking in French food, pastries, and wine. In some of these cities, the celebration begins with a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille.

As your knowledge about France Holidays continues to grow, you will begin to see how France Holidays fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

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By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Lyon is a city in the east-central portion of France, located between Marseille and the capital city of Paris. On December 8 every year, Lyonnais (the term used to refer to Lyon residents) and those from other towns and cities in France enjoy one of the most awaited French events that take place in Lyon – the Festival of Lights.

The Festival of Lights in Lyon is a century and a half-old tradition, in which Lyonnais honor the Blessed Virgin Mary by placing candle lamps in windows of their homes. The occasion is made special by the fact that it comes very close to the Christmas season (although it really does not have any connection with Christmas), making people feel like the holidays have already set in.

Actually, December 8 was not the intended date of the first holding of this “lighting” ceremony. Based on historical accounts, the religious leaders of Lyon organized in 1850 a statue-making contest. The statue to be made was that of the Virgin Mary, with the winning sculpture to be put up atop the Fourvière hill.

The winning sculpture was scheduled for unveiling a couple years later on the date the birth of the Virgin Mary is observed – September 8. Unfortunately on that day, the Saône river overflowed, flooding the entire area. Because of this, the organizers were forced to move the date of the unveiling ceremony three months later to December 8, which is the Immaculate Conception Day.

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But the story did not end there. To celebrate the unveiling of the new statue, the people had planned to light candles inside their homes. On that rescheduled date, however, an extremely intense storm hit the city, and the ceremony’s date was moved anew four days later to December 12. The storm quickly passed though and in an act of thanksgiving, the people of Lyon proceeded with their planned lighting of candles (note: this was on December 8). They then went out into the streets to celebrate.

Touched by the people’s gesture, religious authorities also decided to light candles inside the chapel of Fourvière. From the streets, a spectacularly lighted view of Lyon can be seen, with the city illuminated from end to end. This event gave birth to the now very popular Festival of Lights in Lyon.

The modern celebration of the event is held for four days, from December 5 to 8. During this period, the whole of Lyon is illuminated through modern lighting techniques. The spectacular view of the city from outside attracts thousands of visitors from the neighboring cities and towns in France as well as from other countries. In fact, finding a hotel room to stay during this period is quite difficult.

Today, the French Festival of Lights in Lyon is not just an occasion for remembering the momentous events that took place more than one hundred fifty years ago in this city as recounted above. It now also serves as a forum for all cities, not just in France but in the whole world, to tackle urban lighting and such other issues related to it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO