There’s just something about colorful, bright lights that fascinates people all around the world. They bring joy and make us feel content and in awe. It seems as if cities around the globe recognize this and have created incredible light festivals that have come popular traditions and attractions. Here are some of the best.
Fête des Lumières, Lyon – France
This festival, which translates to “festival of lights” in English, is held every year in Lyon. The city is known for its beauty, food, and culture, but this festival has made it an even more popular destination. The tradition dates all the way back to 1643 when the people in Lyon would light their candles to thank the mother of God for sparing them from the plague, and has continued since then. Of course, it has evolved and now involves incredible light displays.
Vivid, Sydney – Australia
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and in May and June, during the Vivid Light festival, it becomes even more impressive. The festival lasts for a whole 23 days and brings thousands of visitors to the city. Everything in the city lights up throughout this month each year, and it’s spectacular.
Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taipei – Taiwan
In China, lanterns form a huge part of many traditions, especially the Chinese New Year. At the end of the new year each year, thousands of people head to Pingxi to participate in their lantern festival. For three hours, people let these beautiful lanterns float up in the air to light up the night sky. The lanterns are colored and shaped to represent the zodiac celebrated that year.
Each light festival has its own beauty and significance and, due to the different parts of the world, represent very different cultures. So, which will you add to your bucket list this year?