11 light festivals around the world
Let there be light! More and more cities are staging light festivals. They transform squares and streets, bridges and buildings spectacularly. Throughout the year there is a new light spectacle somewhere to admire.
Lyon
Every December at the beginning of the Christmas season — and this since the 19th century — the French metropolis on the Rhône begins to glow. Whereas in the past it was simple candlelight, today lighting designers deliver sophisticated illusions and enchant buildings with changing projections.
London
In January 2019, from the 18th to the 21st, at the "Lumiere London" festival in Great Britain, the sights and streets of the city on the Thames will be surprisingly colourful and fantastic figures of light will buzz through the night.
Seoul
The first full moon of the year is traditionally celebrated in Korea as a second New Year's Eve after the lunar calendar. In 2019, "Jeongwol Daeboreum" will take place on February 4. With ritual pyramid fires and modern LED light games, disaster is to be averted and luck is to be brought.
Montreal
The Canadian city presents itself every year in February/March with the spectacle "Montréal en Lumière". Next time it will take place in February/March 2019. But Montreal's Place des Arts subway station is also a radiant venue on normal days. A 13-metre-long glass picture with over 100 fluorescent tubes tells the story of music.
Baltimore
Each year beginning in March Baltimore in the US state of Maryland will become Light City. The inner harbor will serve as a stage for all sorts of innovative multi-disciplinary light art shows.
Sydney
In Australia, the Vivid Sydney festival - mostly in June - attracts more spectators every year. The stunning light installations enchanting more than 2 million visitors.
Jerusalem
In summertime the Old City will be the backdrop for Jerusalem's light festival. 3D projections will transform the view of a city that is a central to the beliefs of Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Moscow
At the annual Circle of Light festival in late summer, international artists drench the Russian capital and its imposing buildings in shimmering colors.
Berlin
In October the German capital hosts two festivals of illuminations. At nightfall, Berlin leuchtet and the Festival of Lights provide transform the cityscape.
Frankfurt
Every two years in the German banking metropolis on the Main, light sculptures add colourful accents to the skyline and enchant the old town. The spectacle "Luminale" will take place again in 2020.
Ghent
In Belgium, the city of Ghent, with its light festival, now attracts more than half a million visitors. It takes place every three years. In 2018, 40 large installations by light art designers were on view. Next time it will take place in 2021.