What Is the Lemon Festival in Menton: What to Expect?

The Lemon Festival in Menton represents one of the most famous events that happen on the French Riviera. For the citizens of Menton, citrus fruits have exceptional value, so the city somehow tries to thank them every year with magnificent parades, giant sculptures, and shows. Visitors from all over the world love coming to this event because of its exclusivity and great energy. Want to know the dates, what to see, and the inside track? Check this article to get more information about this one-of-a-kind festival.

A Short Presentation of the Lemon Festival in Menton

The Lemon Festival in Menton was first organized in 1934 as a small event with which to display the town’s famous citrus. Menton has a mild climate that gives the lemons the ideal quality to develop. This small exhibition later turned into a major international festival. It’s now an event not to be missed, attracting hordes of visitors.

It’s held to herald the Menton lemon, a fruit so particular that it has obtained PGI label. With this label, it means only fruits grown in this area can be defined as Menton lemons. This is considered by offering respect through giant sculptures, floats, and parades totally made of citruses.

Dates and Themes

The Lemon Festival in Menton takes place from around mid-February to around the last days of February for nearly two weeks. Every year, the Festival adopts a broad theme, and from this broad theme, they develop inspiration for floats and sculptures made there. Typically, themes involve art, culture, or history. In 2023, the theme will be “Journey into the stars” and celebrations will be held from February 15th to March 2nd. Want to know what were the past themes? See the quick rundown in the table below.

Year	Dates	Theme
2024	February 17 – March 3	From Olympia to Menton
2023	February 11 – February 26	Rock and Opera
2022	February 12 – February 27	Opera and Music
2020	February 15 – March 1	Parties Around the World
2019	February 16 – March 3	Fantastical Worlds

What to Expect at the Lemon Festival in Menton?

Creativity, color, and celebration – what you can expect from this lemon festival in Menton. Citruses are used everywhere in the town in every imaginable form. Most streets are filled with music and parades, which are all very brightly displayed. The Biovès Gardens will house giant sculptures wholly made of citrus fruits. The air smells of fresh citrus fruits, and the atmosphere pulsates.

4 Key Events and Activities at the Lemon Festival in Menton

The Lemon Festival in Menton is full of interesting events. You will be able to take part in such activities as:

1. Golden Fruit Parades. Daytime parades feature huge floats decorated entirely with citruses. In the night, they make merry through the streets accompanied by lights and sounds.
2. Citrus Designs Show. Huge citrus sculptures exhibited in the gardens of Bioves. Often you can see an elaborate design that pertains to the yearly festive theme.
3. Shows in the street. Various activities in music form. You can dance among those and have fun in this year’s festival show.
4. Citrus Fair. Different stands provide every variety of freshly squeezed Menton lemons alongside orange marmalade, and other delicacies.

Other Attractions at the Lemon Festival in Menton

The Lemon Festival in Menton has a lot more on offer than parades and citrus sculptures. There’s a whole range of extra attractions to explore. Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown.

Craft Fair	Browse unique handmade goods from local artisans. Among the goods are citrus-scented candles, soaps, and citrus-themed jewelry. These would make great souvenirs.
Orchid Festival	It’s a complementary event, which features beautiful orchid species. Come across rare species you might never see anywhere else and learn about their care at a venue next door.
Food & Drink	Savor citrus tarts, cocktails made from citrusy substances, and even gourmet food cooked using citrus fruits from Menton. Taste Riviera cuisine at festival stalls.
Workshops	Citrus cooking, gardening tips, and how to preserve lemons are workshops you can join. Great for hands-on learning.
Kids’ Activities	Interactivity zones for young children, including a workshop on citrus-themed art, storytelling, and other games. Great fun for families and children of all ages.
Live Music	Hear local bands and artists playing all over the grounds. Savor the festive energy with tones of jazz, traditional French, and other music.

The Festival YouTube Video Review 

Want to get an idea about the Lemon Festival in Menton? Then this video is all about parades, sculptures in the form of citrus fruits, and the general fun atmosphere – just what you should know beforehand. Watch how this small town comes alive as color, music, and creativity spill onto its streets. 

Tips for Attending the Festival

A few tips make your visit to the Lemon Festival in Menton even better. A little planning will make you stay away from the crowds and enjoy the best parts of the event. Take a look at these simple tips to have the best time:

• Early mornings or weekdays are great for viewing exhibitions. For parades, arrive well in advance to get a good spot;
• Beat the crowds by getting up early. That way, you will have ample time to view everything before it gets crowded;
• Explore Beyond the Festival. Menton boasts a beautiful beach, stunning gardens, and historical sites;
• Use comfortable shoes for all your walks and layers for the weather. There is quite some exploring one could do at the festival;
• Book your rooms in advance because the hotels fill up pretty fast. 

Conclusion

The Lemon Festival in Menton is weird, vibrant, and wonderful, it’s a celebration of citrus, creativity, and culture. Plan your visit to take in the charms and meander through the beauty of Menton. This tiny town knows how to make simple citrus fruits create lifelong moments.

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