It’s not quite on the scale of Lyon’s formidable offering a few hours away, but Lausanne’s younger and more modest annual festival of lights is nevertheless a welcome addition to the city’s advent festivities. Revealing the rebel child hiding under Lausanne’s conformist skirts, the festival erects a variety of quirky light installations around town – some amusing, some rather inexplicable and others simply beautiful.
Last year’s event included a giant face projected on a building on Rue Centrale displaying an ever-changing series of bizarre expressions and images; illuminated fluffy clouds outside department store Manor; and wire people floating like ghosts in Place de la Palud. It’s hardly the most festive of decorative styles, but in a way that’s part of the appeal.