After “The Islands of the World” in 2008, we remained within the global sphere with the 2009 theme “World Music.” Music is already a part of life in Menton with the well-established “Classical Music Festival,” a fixed star in the international music lover’s agenda, and “My City is Tango,” a more recent summer festival, but one already integrated into the specialists’ calendar. But what about the Lemon Festival, which has notched up 76 editions and is a unique event in the world to the extent that it has earned immeasurable global fame?
Do you know many events that prompt a multi-day feature on a public television channel? The Lemon Festival in Menton achieved this feat by being the basis of the “Gourmand” segment on the Télématin show on France 2 – since Monday – where Carine Teyssandier offered citrus-based recipes, the host Thierry Beccaro reminding viewers that it was for the Lemon Festival in Menton!
The most patriotic or knowledgeable could well argue – as Prefect Lamy did during the inauguration – that Menton had been a center of citrus production for Europe in the 17th century under the impetus of the Princes of Monaco who imposed several fundamental texts between 1671 with Prince Louis I, who established “The Magistrate of Lemons,” and 1733 which saw the text on the regulation of lemon treatment for export. The lemon experienced its golden age for nearly a century between 1740 and 1840.
Many might have forgotten that Menton was under the suzerainty of the Princes of Monaco for five centuries before declaring itself a “Free City” in 1848 and placing itself under the protection of the King of Sardinia. Its attachment to France took place in 1860, having never been part of the historical County of Nice.
With its Lemon Festival, which attracted more than 250,000 paying visitors in 2008 (according to Jean-Claude Guibal, the deputy mayor during the inauguration), citriculture could well regain more and more splendor, especially with all the derivative products, mainly food and cosmetics, which are made from local citrus fruits.
But you won’t find any on the floats of corsos or the creations in the gardens; it would take far too many and would be wasteful. “The lemon from Menton is rare and well-deserved,” as the mayor proudly proclaims. In fact, more than 130 tons of citrus from Valencia (Spain) were brought in, and 800 municipal employees have been working since September – sometimes day and night and on Sundays – to offer you these astonishing displays. Over the years, their technical skills and know-how have progressed so much that their creations are examined very closely and could very well be exported.
But for the Lemon Festival to go further in its development, it must do as “the archer who reaches far behind himself for the strength to launch his arrow,” i.e., delve into its past and that of the city to continue moving forward.
Before that, you have just under a week left to enjoy the highlights of this 76th edition, of which I offer you some photos – taken spontaneously and under the conditions of a “regular” visitor. By the way, a good tip is to use the train to come to Menton, then head towards the sea. Don’t forget to stop at the Palais de l’Europe – it’s free – to visit the very colorful orchid festival complemented by the Craft Fair.
Just opposite, you will find the magnificent and sometimes imposing creations of lemons and oranges. All to be consumed without moderation!
Reservations and information at the tourist office, 8 avenue Boyer
Phone: 04 92 41 76 56 or online at www.feteducitron.com
The program:
Thursday 26 February at 20:30: Last nighttime corso followed by a fireworks display in the bay.
Friday, February 27 at 20:30: Last evening of the “Gardens of Light” at the Biovès Gardens.
Saturday 28 at 20:30: Last musical show at the Palais de l’Europe with the explosive mix of Pradum Brass Band and Dancers (Belarus) & Mariachis de Fiesta Mexicana (Mexico).
Sunday, March 1 at 14:30: Last corso of the “Golden Fruits” in town and on the Promenade du Soleil.
Continuously: Orchid Festival and Craft Fair around the lemon at the Palais de l’Europe (free admission) from 9h to 18h (Monday-Friday) from 9h to 19h (Saturday and Sunday) and from 9h to 20h (night corso day).
Exhibition of the largest citrus specimens in the Carnolès Gardens (guided tour at the tourist office).
