The Caen illuminations show organized at Place Saint-Sauveur was only played for three days in its initial format. Launched Friday December 17 and scheduled every evening until Sunday January 2 inclusive, it is greatly shortened from Monday January 20. It will now last 15 to 20 minutes compared to an hour previously in order to limit the crowds as a health precaution linked to the Coronavirus.
A show not moving enough
The modifications to the shows were carried out on Sunday by the Manch-based company Atlantid, which is at the origin of them. She had no choice since the town hall of Caen demanded it by Monday after noting very large crowds in the square.
These gatherings were particularly impressive on Saturday evening as the city center was packed with Christmas shopping.
“It is a show thought of as moving, the spectators move through the square and each time observe different forms of light., explains Joël Montagne, technical manager. But the problem is that this year, people did not move and remained clustered at the barriers, he admits.
Illuminations and letters to Santa Claus
By shortening the light and sound show, the organizers therefore hope to limit the crowds.
The times of the illuminations do not change. The illuminations are visible from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Place Saint-Sauveur every evening until January 2.
There is also a Santa Claus mailbox where messages for him and New Year’s greetings can be left. They are then displayed on the facade of buildings in the square. Before the grand finale of the show: an aurora borealis, all in light.