As the new edition of the Lantern Festival arrives in Blagnac, Toulouse, I have decided to tell you about the 2019 edition. Originally, the “Festival des lanternes” happened in Gaillac, where it was created in 2017. The city is about an hour drive from Toulouse. In January 2020, I drove there with two friends to see what all the fuss was about.
A Massive Festival In France
Gaillac’s Lantern Festival has gained a lot of fame. Indeed, according to Patrice Gausserand, it has become bigger than Avignon’s Festival. Visitors are not only coming from Toulouse. As a matter of fact, some even come from Spain!
Unfortunately, due to the Covid crisis, Gaillac had to cancel the 2020-2021 festival. It would have been the 4th edition. Some difficult news for the city, because the event was a good source of income for the city.
This year, investors have decided to transfer the festival to Blagnac and to the parc du Ritouret. Despite the fact that Gaillac will lose a lot of money in the process, it kind of makes sense. There will be more space and thus, more visitors and more money for the investors. But it’s not all about money: Blagnac’s park is twice the size of Gaillac’s and it includes a lake. This is the opportunity to reinvent the festival and to play with the lights on the water. I actually can’t wait to see the new version!
A Lantern Festival Above All my Expectations
Honestly, as I was driving on that cold January night, I was wondering if the festival was really worth the effort. I hate driving at night and during winter, as soon as the sun goes down, I jump in my PJ and wrap myself in a warm blanket. After the drive, the parking lot was located outside the city and you had to take the free shuttle to Gaillac’s city center and to the festival.
But my hopes went up when we arrived at the entrance and when I saw these big bright flowers. And then, there was a giant teacup that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. And then, a waterfall made of light… A lightfall? And a dragon. That was it. No regret, none, to have driven an hour in the evening! Some installations were seriously giant! I was so impressed. And when we thought that was it, there was another path. In fact, the park was so much bigger than we originally thought!
This is also why I am eager to visit the new version this year. I’m afraid I might spend three to four hours there… I’m like a kid in a candy store in this kind of events. Light brings a new dimension to the colours. Truly, it feels like everything is bigger.
Anyway, all that to say that I do recommend booking your spot if you’re near Toulouse in December or January!
To see more photos of France, you can visit the gallery France.
