Festival of Lights

Starting on December 4th each year, with light spectaculars within the city, the event culminates on December 8th. Each householder will light special candles and place them on the outside of the window sills. Virtually all the city is illuminated. The two main focal points are the Basilica of Fourvière, which is lit up in a variety of colours, and the Place des Terreaux, which displays a different light show each year. The festival dates back to 1643 when the councillors promised to pay homage to the Virgin Mary if the town was spared of the plague.