An exciting annual festival, relatively new for a city which derives its festivals from centuries old traditions. The purpose – to celebrate light! Quite original, and more than just an “enlightening” affair. Consists of more than a week of celebrations ranging from food and wine stalls to musical concerts and film shows. This festival can be called the one event that brings all of Montreal together – all classes, all nations, all religions – as most of its activities are free.
The 9th such festival, held in 2008, raged on for an incredible 11 days. There was wine tasting, gourmet buffets, and ethnic cuisine shows. A major attraction was the Hydro-Quebec musical festival held on the quays of the Old Montreal district. This had concerts every night throughout the festival, and offered fun filled family activities, all free of course, like ice skating and ice sliding, a magnificent fireworks display, and impressive processions by torchlight. It was one festival that truly allowed locals and tourists alike to fully enjoy the winter season in Montreal. Another event that captivated the crowds was the Indoor and Underground Race. Around a thousand runners participated in a footrace on a designated 5 km pathway that meandered through Montreal’s various public walkway systems, including indoor halls and underground tunnels. And finally there was the All-Nighter, consisting of a full-fledged techno, electronica, jazz, and vocal trance music concert, film shows ranging from horror and action to romance, and art exhibitions that went on all night, with a complimentary breakfast being offered at 4:30 am to all those present.
The 10th Festival Montréal en Lumière will be held from the 19th of February to the 1st of March 2009.
