Lucerne’s old town becomes a canvas for its giant interactive festival of lights

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Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. flock / flɒk / (v.) – to move in a large group, often used for people or animals
    Example:

    Shoppers flocked to the store for the holiday sale.


  2. picturesque / ˌpɪk tʃəˈrɛsk / (adj.) – (of a place) beautiful or charming, especially in a way that looks like a picture
    Example:

    We stayed in a picturesque village in the mountains.


  3. flank / flæŋk / (v.) – to be at the side of something or someone
    Example:

    Security guards flanked the entrance to the event.


  4. visual / ˈvɪʒ u əl / (n.) – an image, picture, or display used to help explain or show something
    Example:

    The presentation included many visuals to make it easier to understand.


  5. surreal / səˈril / (adj.) – very unusual, like something from a dream
    Example:

    The movie has a surreal story with talking animals.


Article

Read the text below.

Tens of thousands of visitors flocked to Lucerne as the Lilu Light Festival turned the city’s cobbled streets and riverfront into a glowing, interactive art experience. The festival drew artists from across Europe, blending inspiration and technology, to transform the city into one of Switzerland’s most picturesque winter destinations.


In the square of Vögeligärti, the planet “Venus” by Immersive Light Factory glowed at the center, radiating warm light and showing one of Earth’s closest neighbors in wonderful detail. The planet installation was flanked on one side by the swirling “Carnival of Lights” by Lightspray Visual.


Mechanical structures brought the visuals to life, projecting small light displays onto the walls of Lucerne’s Central and University Library. Nearby, “Coloured” by Immersive Light Factory illuminated the Torbogen arch outside Lucerne’s main rail station. The combination of historic squares and cutting-edge installations created a surreal winter landscape, where centuries-old architecture met modern art and dynamic color.


Along the river Reuss, Jesuitenkirche, the Jesuit church is bathed in light. Inside, the ticketed projection mapping show “SOUL” by PROJEKTIL immersed visitors in dynamic visuals all over the church’s interior, creating a spectacular reshaping of the space and music.


André Bulli, marketing manager at Lucerne Tourism, says the festival has grown into Switzerland’s largest light event. “It’s the biggest light festival in Switzerland, with around 150,000 people every year. So, we have around 15,000 people in the city each day, which is a lot. We sell more than 80,000 tickets for the light show here in the Jesuit church, and we have more than 70 light shows in the church during the whole festival,” he says.


Bulli explains why the festival began in 2017. He says, “The reason was that in January, Lucerne is always empty for tourists and there’s not much going on. It’s cold, and people are inside. So, we tried, in cooperation with the hotels, to do something to attract more people to the city. And this was the light festival.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Thousands of tourists flocked to Lucerne to witness the Lilu Light Festival. Would you want to visit the festival of lights? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What kind of festivals or events does your city or country offer to tourists? Do you like participating in festivals? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • If your city/town asked for your help with improving tourism, what would you do to encourage tourists to visit that city/town (ex. launch a festival, develop the city/town)? Discuss.
  • As a tourist, what kinds of places do you prefer to visit (ex. famous landmarks, lesser-known sites)? What do you like about going to such places? Discuss.