Montreal en Lumiere’s Nuit Blanche excites the night with fantastical artistic expressions
While the sun might warm the chilly days, the night comes alive during Montreal en Lumiere’s Nuit Blanche. From impeccable food that fuels the experience to artistic interpretations that invite conversation, dawn comes far to quickly during this endless night celebration.
This year marks the Montreal en Lumiere’s 25th anniversary. While the multi-week event is full of gastronomy events, musical performances, and artistic expressions, the Nuit Blanche event brings everyone together for a night full of energy. Even for the person who rarely stays up to see the clock turn to a new day chooses to dance the hours away until dawn.
What is telling about this special night is that it is a community event. During the early start to the night, families can be seen riding the Ferris wheel in the main area or skating around the elevated rink. Some indulge in a Beaver Tails or a treat from Tim Hortons before finding their groove in front of the DJ booth.
As the hour turns later, the younger guests get tucked into their beds and the night owls journey from place to place to explore. This year’s event asked the question “what’s your creative fantasy?” Without delving into a voyeuristic moment, the question is freeing. The barriers are removed and everything is in play. Finding a resolution to the past or running towards an optimistic future, fantasy is a world where creativity is nurtured, embraced, and celebrated.
For the person who is new to this whole experience, at first blush, it can be a little overwhelming. Some experiences might be more formal, like Aura at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. The visually stunning projection experience balances romanticized idyllical portrayals with modern interpretations within the sacred space.
In contrast, other art galleries open their doors and blend dance parties with virtual reality and performance art. At one moment musicians spontaneously break into song, then an artist makes a bold entrance parting the group with his intricate ensemble.
That moment continues time and again. Open doors welcome people. From music that gets people to find the beat to visuals that linger in the mind long after dawn breaks, it is the experiences at every corner that make the hours seem like minutes. Before it even seems possible, the dawn is about to break, and Sunday brunch will be served in just a few hours later.
The biggest takeaway from this all-night experience is that a community forms through the experience. Even though the temperatures might be frigid, everyone feels the warmth of togetherness. It is a night to have fun, enjoy a few drinks, indulge in food, and let all the other unimportant noise fade away.
For anyone who wants to experience a night of art, creativity, and pure joy, Montreal en Lumiere’s Nuit Blanche is that event. Whether the snow flurries fill the sky or the stars twinkle brightly, it is the people joining together for the community experience that makes this one night shine brightly and make a lasting memory till the next year’s event returns.