Fêtes Consulaires

The Fêtes Consulaires: the whole world in the heart of Lyon

A unique event in France, the Fêtes Consulaires de Lyon have been celebrating the city's openness to the world for over twenty years. Every year, Place Bellecour — Europe's largest pedestrian square — transforms into an international village where consular delegations from nearly 70 countries invite Lyonnais residents and visitors on a journey around the world without leaving the city center.

World cultural heritage at your fingertips

The heart of the Fêtes Consulaires lies in the stands of the consulates and foreign communities established in Lyon. Each represented country unveils its riches through exhibitions, artisanal demonstrations, culinary tastings, and artistic performances. From Japan to Brazil, from Italy to Senegal, from Turkey to Mexico, it's a true world tour of flavors, savoir-faire, and traditions offered to visitors.

A festive and participatory program

Beyond discovering the stands, the Fêtes Consulaires offer a program rich in animations and shows. Traditional dance performances, world music concerts, martial arts demonstrations, and interactive workshops punctuate the two days of the event. Quizzes and cultural games allow the public to test their knowledge of the represented countries, with prizes to be won. Virtual reality experiences complete this innovative program.

Lyon, consular capital

With nearly 70 consulates represented on its territory, Lyon has the second-largest consular corps in France after Paris. This exceptional diplomatic presence testifies to the metropolis's international influence and its economic and cultural attractiveness. The Fêtes Consulaires embody this international dimension by offering a moment of sharing and intercultural dialogue open to all.

A unifying and free event

With over 30,000 visitors each year, the Fêtes Consulaires have become an eagerly anticipated event in the Lyon calendar. The free admission to the event, the centrality of Place Bellecour, and the diversity of the offerings make it a popular and unifying highlight, where families, students, tourists, and the curious gather to celebrate the richness of cultural diversity together.