Chrismas
in Menton
Sissy
the Empress returns to Menton
The Menton Christmas Festivities are bigger and more exciting
each year. Coming to Menton to celebrate Christmas is not only
to enjoy Christmas in a mild sunny climate but to also participate
in a whirlwind of original and surprising activities. During
the three-week festive period, the city is alight. Offering
a plethora of activies both small and grand.
Following the now considered tradition, the entertainment is
based around themes which have conquered the hearts of the Mentonese
and tourist alike; the Far West, the Hunchback of Notre Dame,
Russian Christmas, Biblical Christmas (which was staged over
two years) and last year China was welcomed in all her magnificence.
Symbol of joy, happiness and family gatherings, for decades
the Christmas period has been an intense moment in Menton life.
Every year the whole city is lit up in festive lights and everyone
participates in the fun all over the city with street entertainment
and surprises galore warning the hearts of young and old alike.
To celebrate Christmas 2001, Bavaria is invited to Menton,
represented by Sissi the Empress, who fell the charms of the
French Riviera and stayed for a long time in the city of lemons.
More than two centuries after her stay, Menton pays homage to
his great lady.
Entertainment
throughout the city
From the 22nd of December to the 6th of January 2002, Menton
celebrates Central Europe. Reindeers and sleigh-dogs at the
center of events, and maybe at the turn of a corner you might
get a glance at Sissy and her Fiancé Franz, the Emperor
of Austria, not forgetting the Hungarian and Austrian fanfare…
Gigantic
flower decorations
In the Biovès gardens, in the centre of the city, giant
flower covered structures, some measuring u to 8 metres in height,
will be displayed depicting Sissy’s castle, Sissy’s
sleigh, snowmen and many other superb scenes…
Sledge
runs
All are welcome, young and old, to take a sled ride and enjoy
the pleasures of winter, on the runs set up on the “Esplanade
du Bastion” over the festive period.
The
Christmas Market
From the 15th of December the Christmas market opens its doors
on the “Esplanade du Bastion». Here you can find
traditional festive items as well as local craft and much more…
Shopkeepers
at the heart of the festivities
Throughout the month of December, do your shopping in certain
Menton boutiques and be in with a chance to win sumptuous prizes.
The
Nativity scene “walk”
From the 15th of December to the 6th of January 2002. Several
traditional Mentonese nativity scenes are presented in the nooks
and crannies of the old city on this original “ nativity
walk” thought the narrow alleys and squares of the historical
centre of Menton.
Christmas
Eve
On Thursday the 20th of December from 9 pm onwards in the “Salon
Grande-Bretagne", Palais de l’Europe.
Free
New Year’s
1st of January 2002 at 5 pm the “Orchestra Sinfonica di
Alba e Cuneo», under the direction of Jacques-Francis
Manzone will perform for the third year running a free New Year’s
concert in the “Palais de l’Europe”.
The programme will satisfy even the most fervent of music lovers.
