Fete du Citron, Menton

Sunday 2nd March, 2008:

The micro-climate that Menton enjoys explains her economy, which at one time was mainly the cultivation of citrus fruits and olives. It is the only European town in which lemons flourish and bear fruit all year round.
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To celebrate Menton's roots in citrus fruit cultivation, the town hosts her Fête des Citrons (lemon festival) once per year. It is a unique event that attracts around two hundred thousand visitors and after the Formula 1 grand prix in Monaco and the carnival in Nice, it is the third best visited event on the Côte d'Azur.

http://www.residencelesmarronniers.com/en/surroundings/menton/

In 1346, Charles Grimaldi, the seigneur of Monaco, bought the seigneury of Menton, which history from then on confused with that of Monaco. In 1860, Menton was annexed to France. Since the last century, the beauty of the site and its exceptional climate have drawn the European aristocracy and famous artists - the New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield and the Spaniard Blasco Ibanez, among others. The town backs onto a mountain, partly wooded and partly under cultivation, mainly with citrus fruits and olives.

http://www.villes-et-villages-fleuris.com/menton.htm

The floats represented various countries:





Kiwi of New Zealand:









Groups of dancers representing Mexico, etc.:





A splendid group representing Iran ?!





I don't think these guys would have much luck trying to board a plane for the US:




















The ticket also let us into the gardens:

"The exhibits, which are erected on the flower beds of the Jardins Biovès, are composed entirely of citrus fruits."

http://www.residencelesmarronniers.com/en/surroundings/menton

Towards the end of the 19th century, the cultivation and export of citrus fruits had reached a peak and supported between 400 and 500 inhabitants. 40 million lemons were sent annually to Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and even Russia. Unfortunately, frost and disease took the best part of them. Currently, agriculture is no longer an important part of the economy.

Today, tourism is the main economic resource in Menton.

http://www.residencelesmarronniers.com/en/surroundings/menton

Official site