Red Neon Lights

In 1852, the statue of the Virgin Mary was inaugurated on the chapel on the hill of Fourvière. The inauguration was to take place on September 8, 1852, but a flood of the Saône would have prevented the ceremony. The inauguration was then postponed to December 8, 1852, the date of the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin. Fireworks were planned from the top of the hill and brass bands were to play in the streets.

But on the morning of December 8, a violent storm hit Lyon. The master of ceremonies immediately decided to cancel everything and postpone the event. Then, finally, the sky cleared, and the people of Lyon, with a spontaneous gesture, lit up their windows and took to the streets singing "Long live Mary!" until late at night. Since then, every December 8 in Lyon, candles are lit in small glasses and placed on the windows.