6 Light Festivals Around The World
Let there be light….
Festivals are one of the ways to get to know a country’s culture. Aside from sight-seeings of most places, these kinds of parties are one of the best ways to learn about a certain culture or heritage.
Thought Diwali was the only light festival in the world? You are in for a surprise. From the Amsterdam light festival to the Vivid Sydney, I take you through some colourful light events.
- The Great Wisteria Festival, Ashigaka Park, Japan.
Ahhh, Japan.
The Wisteria flower is one of the beloved spring plants in the country. Voted among the top 10 dream destinations in 2014, the colours of the wisteria flower blooms in the following order: from pink, red, purple to yellow; you get to enjoy each transition in a full month.
The time of transition from colour to colour is as follows: Pink Wisteria — middle April till late April; Purple Wisteria — late April till early May; White Wisteria — early May and the Yellow Wisteria — early May till mid-May.
Planning to attend? More information about the time of opening and tickets can be gotten here.
2. Fete des Lumieres, Lyon, France.
This international event takes place in Lyon, France.
Light is an essential part of Lyon’s identity which reveals its architecture and magnificent landscapes. The reason for this event serves to express gratitude towards Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ and is done on the 8th of December annually.
Candles are lit and placed on windows to produce spectacular effects throughout the city. It holds for 4 days and the peak of activity happens on the 8th.
3. Vivid Sydney, Sydney.
Behold, a festival where technology, commerce and art intersect.
It started as a smart light festival in 2009 and is currently the biggest festival of lights, music and ideas in the world. As of 2019, the event attracted 2.4 million visitors and sees historic sights including the Sydney Opera House, Customs House and the Taronga Zoo.
Planning to attend? It will run from the 6th up to the 28th of August 2021. Tickets and more information on modes of transportation can be checked here.
4. Amsterdam Light Festival, Amsterdam.
This event occurs during winter, usually late November until mid-January.
The canals of Amsterdam are lit up during this period and it attracts artists around the world. The light artworks can be admired by boat, foot or bike.
5. The Luminale, Frankfurt, Germany.
The Luminale is a huge art exhibition and music festival that draws about 250,000 visitors. It holds in Frankfurt and occasionally in Offenbach.
It began in 2002 and has grown to become one of Offenbach and Frankfurt's major tourist attractions and largest cultural events.
6. Full Moon Lantern Festival, Hoi An, Vietnam.
It is also known as Hoi An full moon festival and is a monthly event in the city.
The town of Hoi An has been listed by UNESCO as a popular place for tourists and visitors to come and participate in the festival because of the dedicated lanterns. The event is a monthly celebration that falls on the 14th day of the lunar calendar (or around the time of the full moon).
A schedule for the Full Moon festival date can be found here.
Glad you made it to the end of this article. You’ve gone to these festivals and want to talk about them? I’ll be in the comment section.😉
