Menton, a beautiful village in the Côte d’ Azur region close to the border with Italy. Every February the whole village turns into a lemon themed spectacle for two weeks and hosts tens of thousands of visitors.
The start of the festival dates back to 1895 when it was decided that the winter months should be livelier. It did not take long before the wealthy and rich discovered the festival, when they stayed in the area for the winter. ‘ Fête du Citron’ became an official regional event in 1935 and with that, it became an unique celebration in the world. Annually there are 300 professionals who work to attain the festival that utilizes over 145 tons of citrus fruit!
Adam and Eve
A legend that dates back to the creation of mankind tells the story of how the lemon arrived in Menton. The story goes back to the moment that Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden and that Eve took a lemon with her. Adam feared the anger of God and begged Eve to throw the Lemon away. Eve did not succeed because she could not find the right place to. She thought of it as a golden fruit.
When they arrived in Menton, Eve thought she found paradise again and decided to hide the fruit. A beautiful story, but the truth tells that the Romans brought the Lemon to Menton from Asia. From that moment the lemon started growing in the region, due to the unique and sunny microclimate.
Promenade du Soleil
During the festival, cheerful yellow floats drive on the Promenade du Soleil. A big explosion of fruit, colour, enthusiastic dancers, music ensembles and folkloristic groups. During the festivities, the beautiful Biovés gardens are decorated with artwork made of citrus fruit. The sculptures are made by hand and are, in some cases, even ten meters high. Very impressive to see!
Besides the parades, amazing fireworks above the sea, and the beautiful decorated gardens there are also the handcrafted products of Menton that share the spotlight with the fruit. Oils, Limoncello (an alcoholic beverage with a lemon base), lemon cake, lemon jam, lemon ice cream etc. You will find all of this at the Fête du Citron in Menton!
