Theme of Menton's 83rd Fête du Citron finally revealed!

The veil on the most remarkable event in Menton - to be held from February 13th  to March 2nd, 2016 - has been lifted: Traveling to Cinecitta! 

After three years devoted to Jules Verne, from Around the World in 80 Days to Tribulations of a "lemon" in China, passing by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the festival closes the book of fantasy, but not the one of extraordinary, choosing Cinecittà for the 2016 edition! The dream and nostalgia of the Italian cinema of the 50s and 60s, of the "Belle Epoque" that, thanks to the unmistakable talent of Visconti, Fellini and Leone, scored numerous generations of movie fans and still continues to fascinate many. 

Just as Luchino Visconti, from Bellissima to Gatopardo to White Nights and Rocco and His Brothers, evolved his art and his sometimes intransigent vision of the world, Italian cinema has been able to produce movies that have become cult, dreamy, imaginative, and revolutionary. 

In the Dolce Vita way, Cinecittà in Menton will be light-hearted; the symbol of a whole era that had a sense of daring, but also its realism, its art of appreciating things in life in all nuances. 

This Italian journey will start on the eve of Valentine's Day at the public Gardens Biovès and continue throughout the festival, offering a walk among the masterpieces of Italian cinema. 

The citrus' motives representing these masterpieces will be inspired by dramas such as Amarcord, comedies, mythological films like Cleopatra, or even spaghetti western. 

As night falls, the Gardens of light (February 16, 19, 23 and 26 at 8.30 p.m.) with their magic colors will immerse visitors in the intimate atmosphere of local cinema. Under the lights and the performances of the actors, citrus decorations will become alive and will light at the music of Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota' original soundtracks.  

But what would the Fête du Citron be without its parade of golden fruit? (February 14, 21 and 28 at 2.30 p.m.) Thanks to the parade, this has become one of the most important events of the French Riviera! Visitors will crowd the entrances to attend the performance of brass bands and acrobats hovering between citrus floats. Homage to the clown of Fellini's La Strada, these parades are a delicious intermezzo proposed also during two night parades, on Thursday February 18 and 25at 8.30 p.m., followed by a firework display.

La Fête du Citron® (Lemon Festival), a unique event in the world, attracts  240,000 visitors every year – a number which is constantly rising.  

Festival highlights

• From 13th February to 2nd March: Visit the Jardins Biovès – an exhibition of citrus motifs
• Sunday 14th February at 2.30pm: Corso aux Fruits d’Or – (Golden Fruits Parade)
• Tuesday 16th February at 8.30pm: Les Jardins de Lumières – (The Gardens of Lights)
• Thursday 18th February at 8.30pm: Corso Nocturne – (Night-parade) – followed by firework
• Friday 19th February at 8.30pm: Les Jardins de Lumières – (The Gardens of Lights)
• Sunday 21st February at 2.30pm: Corso aux Fruits d’Or – (Golden Fruit Parade)
• Tuesday 23rd February at 8.30pm: Les Jardins de Lumières – (The Gardens of Lights)
• Thursday 25th February at 8.30pm: Corso Nocturne – (Night-parade) – followed by firework
• Friday 26th February at 8.30pm: Les Jardins de Lumières – (The Gardens of Lights)
• Sunday 28th February at 2.30pm Corso aux Fruits d’Or – (Golden Fruit Parade)

For more information: Fête du Citron® website