Renowned for its citrus fruits, the town of Menton on the French Riviera hosts a vibrant celebration dedicated to all things citrus that spans two weeks. During this time, visitors can marvel at large-scale sculptures crafted from oranges and lemons, which are later sold to locals to make jam. A major highlight of the festival is the nighttime parades featuring elaborate carnival floats adorned with fruits, accompanied by lively dancing and music performances by troupes from various corners of the globe.
The festival's origins trace back to the late 19th century when local citrus growers sought to promote their produce. Legend has it that a group of growers conceived the idea of a festival featuring floats adorned with lemons and oranges, inspired by the renowned carnival in Nice. The inaugural Lemon Festival took place in 1934, swiftly gaining popularity and attracting visitors from far and wide.
You can find more about the event from their official website here