A unique lantern festival in Calais

In the Chinese tradition, the lantern festival is a highlight of the year with bright structures invading cities. The mythical animals of the Chinese imagination such as the dragon, the lions dogs, the pandas are part of the party but also deities, important Chinese characters, emblematic monuments and of course lanterns of all kinds... This year, no need to go to China to enjoy this luminous enchantment, since the city of Calais has entrusted a Chinese team with the task of installing no less than 400 light structures in its Saint-Pierre park located in the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the city hall and its famous citizens

Dozens of artists have built amazing metal structures illuminated from the inside and covered with coloured satins. The theme is the legendary universe of ancient China and the Tang dynasty, including a 100-metre-long dragon or an imposing copy of Beijing's famous temple of heaven. My favorite is undeniably the panda space or the fountain with swans and poisons... we have the great Chinese classics! You will also see a beautiful representation of the Lion King and a slightly less traditional boat that the Tang could not see. Whether in France or at home, the Chinese know how to adapt the myths of yesterday to those of today for the greatest pleasure of families...

We were also delighted to see that the show came to life on the stage near the Temple of Heaven. The great Chinese classics are there like dancing with ribbons, a demonstration of Chinese opera and of course juggling and acrobatics. There are also workshops for children and food and drink

The park will be lit from 6pm to 9.30pm until 6 January 2019 and it will cost 12 euros per adult and 10 euros per child from 7 to 17 years old... the smallest ones are free! Note that the park is also open during the day and this is free of charge; the structures are very beautiful but a little less magical... although the pandas area deserved to return there;-)