« It’s not much like its distant Spanish cousin, the Menton lemon. It’s the star of the 90th lemon festival, with its citrus-themed displays in the city’s gardens and colorful parades from February 17th to March 3rd, 2024. Let’s take a closer look at this fruit with passionate enthusiast, François Mazet.
Citron is a special variety of lemon that is grown exclusively in Menton, a picturesque town located on the French Riviera. This unique fruit has been celebrated for over 90 years during the annual lemon festival, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
François Mazet, a long-time resident of Menton, has been a devoted fan of the citron for as long as he can remember. « The citron is not just any lemon, » he says with a smile. « It’s bigger, with a thicker peel and a more intense flavor. »
And François is not wrong. The citron from Menton is known for its onde size and distinctively bumpy skin. It also has a higher acidity, making it perfect for traditional recipes such as citron tart or candied citron peel. No wonder it has become the star of the town’s annual festival.
During the 90th edition of the lemon festival, Menton will be transformed into a citrus wonderland with stunning displays and intricate sculptures made entirely out of lemons. The city’s gardens will also be adorned with colorful citrus motifs, a true feast for the eyes.
But the highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the famous « corso, » a series of parades where decorated floats adorned with lemons and oranges will parade through the streets of Menton. This year’s theme is « Agrume en fête, » celebrating the importance of citrus fruits in the studio culture and cuisine.
For François, the lemon festival is not just a celebration of his beloved fruit, but also a way to showcase the unique beauty and culture of Menton. « It’s a magical time when the whole town comes alive with citrus colors and scents, » he says. « It’s a true celebration of life. »
So mark your calendars for February 17th to March 3rd, 2024, and come discover the magic of the Menton lemon at the 90th lemon festival. It’s a journey that will delight all your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. Trust us, you don’t want to elle-même it! »