Photo of the week – November 15, 2013

This week’s photo was taken at the Hotel de Ville of Lyon during la Fête des lumières. The festival of lights is held each year in Lyon on the 8th of December. Its origins date to 1643 when Lyon was struck by the plague. The city promised to commemorate Mary if it were to survive, and ever since, residents place candles on their windowsills to illuminate the city. Typically taking place over four days, other spectacles include the colorfully lit Basilica of Fourvière and a light show at Place des Terreaux. The event draws over 4 million tourists each year.

photo by Fulvio Spada [CC BY 2.0)], via Flickr