Two Homes, One Celebration: December 8 in Lyon and Corsica
Discover the traditions of December 8 in my hometown and my new home, exploring the history, culture, and personal connections that make this day so special for me.
I recorded the voiceover this morning at home. It is unedited, with some stutters, mispronunciations and imperfections. I hope you’ll enjoy listening to it anyway!
Growing up in Lyon, December 8 always held a special place in my heart and for years, it marked the start of the holiday season for me. Since moving to Corsica, this date has become even more meaningful, acting as a bridge between my hometown and the place I now call home. On December 8, I get to celebrate both La Fête des Lumières — The Festival of Lights — and A Festa di a Nazione — The Feast of the Nation.
December 8 in Lyon: a day of light and gratitude
In the Roman Catholic calendar, December 8 marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. But for the people of Lyon, whether they’re in the city or abroad, this date is first and foremost a celebration of their beloved hometown.
It all began on September 8, 1643. At the time, plague was devasting Europe and threatening the city of Lyon. Fearing for Lyon’s survival, the Provost of Merchants (the equivalent of today’s mayor), his four aldermen (deputies), and a crowd of citizens climbed the hill of Fourvière in procession to pray to the Virgin Mary for protection. They vowed to renew this pilgrimage each year if the city was spared. Miraculously, Lyon was saved, and this promise — known as le voeu des échevins (the vow of the aldermen) — has been honored ever since.
Centuries later, in 1852, the city planned to inaugurate a new gilded bronze statue of the Virgin Mary — standing 5.6 meters (18 feet) tall — atop the chapel’s bell tower. Initially scheduled for September 8, severe floods caused the event to be postponed to December 8.
On the evening of December 8, 1852, poor weather once again threatened the celebrations. Official events and fireworks were canceled. Yet, the people of Lyon spontaneously placed candles on their windowsills as the sky cleared. The city lit up, and a new tradition was born. Every year since, the citizens have illuminated their windows on this date.
Since 1999, this heartfelt custom has grown into La Fête des Lumières – The Festival of Lights, an international event attracting thousands of visitors to Lyon each December. Over three or four days around December 8, spectacular light displays illuminate the city’s monuments and buildings. Below, you can see a video of the 2023 edition.
While the Festival’s dazzling displays are impressive, for me, the magic remains in the simple beauty of my childhood memories. I’ll always treasure the sight of colorful lumignons glowing on the windowsills, their soft flicker warming the crisp December nights. Since leaving Lyon in my twenties, I’ve honored this tradition every year, no matter where life has taken me. My candles may not sit in the colorful lumignons of my youth, but they still brighten my windows, connecting me to my family and my roots in Lyon.
This year, I’m especially excited to share this tradition with my daughter, teaching her how this simple ritual ties her to a piece of her origins.
December 8 in Corsica: a celebration of identity and unity
When I moved to Bastia in 2017, I was delighted to discover that December 8 holds special significance in Corsica as well.
At first, I assumed this was due to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting Corsica’s strong Catholic faith and the island’s deep reverence for the Virgin Mary. However, I soon learned that December 8 also carries historical and political importance, as it commemorates A Festa di a Nazione – The Feast of the Nation.
Its origins date back to 1735, during a pivotal moment in Corsican history when the island was asserting its independence.
In the early 18th century, Corsica was under Genoese rule, but Corsicans were striving for independence. On January 30, 1735, La Consulta d’Orezza — a historic assembly of representatives from Corsican communities, including Hyacinthe Paoli, father of the later famous Pasquale Paoli — convened to draft a document declaring Corsica an independent republic. This document laid the foundations of the Corsican Constitution later adopted on November, 17, 1755.
The assembly placed the island under the protection of the Virgin Mary and chose December 8 to honor their nascent nation. That same year, Dio vi salvi Regina — the song you can hear at the end of one of my previous articles — was adopted as Corsica’s national anthem.
Though Corsica’s independence was short-lived, A Festa di a Nazione has endured as a symbol of unity and cultural pride. By the 1990s, the celebration saw a revival among younger generations. Today, December 8 is a time for Corsicans to honor their rich heritage and reflect on the resilience that defines their identity.
The day’s festivities blend religious and cultural traditions. In Bastia, a mass followed by a procession takes place at the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception. Across the island, young and old generations gather to sing traditional songs, especially ‘Paghjelle’ (the famous Corsican polyphonic songs inscribed in 2009 on the Unesco List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding), or share figatellu, a traditional Corsican liver sausage. Music, dancing, and storytelling fill the air with a festive spirit.
Now that she’s a bit older, I’d like to bring my daughter to the celebrations in Bastia, introducing her to the joy and depth of this Corsican tradition. If I do, I’ll be sure to record a little video to share the magic of A Festa di a Nazione with you.
A day that unites my two homes
December 8 is more than just a date on the calendar for me. It’s a day that unites the two places I hold dearest — Lyon and Corsica. Through candles on my windowsill and Corsican music resonating at home or in the streets, this date reminds me of the power of traditions to bring people together and to connect us to our roots, no matter where life takes us.
What about you? Are there traditions or moments that connect you to the places you hold dear? I’d love to hear about them — feel free to share in the comments, hit reply or send me a DM.
Maïlys
Beautiful text Maïlys, you really manage to convey the meaning and power of these traditions. Reminding us of what keeps us together. It made me reflect on my own roots that are spread between France and Switzerland. I realize traditions were lost along the way, but I'm building new ones with my children here in Schaffhausen. Funnily, light is often involved.
Enjoyed learning about the history of these traditions. And it was lovely to hear your voice Maïlys - you did great!🌻