Lights Throuhg Time: La Fête des Lumières 

By Zhuzhen Xie (Nina), Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France

As we entered the festive month of December, vibrant neon lights and sparkling snowflakes appeared on apartment doors, shop windows, and streetlamps overnight. Just a few weeks before the long-anticipated family gatherings and holiday feasts at the end of the month, Lyon invites its residents and visitors to another flamboyant spectacle: La Fête des Lumières.

Tracing back to when the statue of the Virgin Mary was installed on Fourvière Hill in December 1852, the residents of Lyon lit candles behind their windows and balconies to celebrate this occasion and show solidarity during a time of inclement weather, flooding, and social unrest. Across the centuries, lights have grown increasingly symbolic and artistic for the city of Lyon. In commemoration of its historical heritage, Lyon hosts the Festival of Lights every year, welcoming spectators from across the world. Numerous light artworks are exhibited around the city, rendering it an immersive museum that grasps one’s attention with lively tunes and vibrant colors.

Having heard of the festival ever since I arrived in Lyon, I was curious to join this celebration and behold the intricate artwork. Although my French roommate reminded me about the large influx of visitors expected to fill the streets during the festival, I was shocked to see a sea of people swarming across the familiar streets. Following guidance from a specific map that marks out all the art installations, I started my journey from Place des Terreaux and embarked on my adventure.

As I traversed through bustling crowds of visitors and street merchants selling mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, I arrived at the Saint-Jean Cathedral in the old town of Lyon, which turned out to be the most memorable experience of the night. Standing in front of the colossal cathedral, I impatiently waited for the show to begin, along with thousands of others who filled the large square of Saint-Jean. Despite the bitter breezes and sprinkling rain, the crowd gradually quieted as the projection appeared on the ancient walls of the cathedral. In the next few minutes, I was immediately seized by the precise and detailed light display sprawled over the wall. Tumbling rocks, kaleidoscopic mosaics, and various hues spilled across the surface. The animations were so mesmerizing that I could not recall the original look of the façade. The projections were extremely precise, with detailed variations stretching intricately along the rose-shaped stained glass at the center. While the cathedral has silently stood on the cobbled roads of the old town for centuries, the shimmering lights breathed life into this majestic relic of the past. To my surprise, it was such a harmonious infusion of modern technology and ancient structures, amplifying the reverberating spirits of the past. As we looked toward the cathedral, I could not help but wonder about the fantasy of paralleled stares and admiration cast upon those walls across time, standing on the same paths.

In spite of the long waits and surging crowds, I was so pleased to watch the light shows and explore the familiar streets from completely new perspectives. I was amazed by the respect and efforts devoted to preserving this heritage of light and appreciation of the past. Indeed, among visitors and residents from vastly different walks of life, the lights were truly a unifying force that inspired a common appreciation of beauty and kindled hopeful outlooks for the morrow.