I . History

In 1643, France was contaminated by the plague. Consequently, public figures and traders made a wish . If the epidemic stoped, they would pay tribute to the Virgin Mary each year. The epidemic stoped ! So, they put a statue on the « basilique de fourvière » the 8 of september.

The celebration is the 8 of december … Why ? People from lyon wanted to celebrate the Virgin

Mary the 8 of september, they prepared lumignons but it was raining so they repported the event to the 8 of december !

Nowadays, it became a celebration for all people : christians or not. A lot of people go out to admirate the different bustles.

II . The tradition

Each year, many people (about 3 millions in 2010) are in the street and meander in different boroughs. About « lights and sounds », they are a lot of hustle and bustle . For example, projections, objects and monuments illuminated .

Lumignons are put on the windows even if less and less people do it. Children make them at school for the majority. They use jars which are painting. Then, they fit in a candle.

III . Photos