Mantes-la-Jolie cancels winter light festival under new mayor

The city of Mantes-la-Jolie, under Mayor Adama Gaye, has officially cancelled the fourth edition of the "Lueurs de Mantes" winter light festival, ending the event that was a hallmark of the previous administration. The decision was announced at the municipal council meeting on September 28, 2026. Mayor Gaye cited the high cost of external services, preferring to redirect funds toward more concrete actions better distributed across the city. The festival, which cost nearly 700,000 euros in its first two editions, had faced criticism from the opposition since its 2023 launch. The city will also discontinue the Christmas Parade, potentially replacing it with a longer-lasting Christmas village. The new administration is reviewing other major events, including the Fête de la musique and the Médiévale festival, aiming for more sustainable, community-built gatherings. The council also approved a bid for the Notre-Dame collegiate church to the Loto du patrimoine, created a children's municipal council, and promoted Mayrig Davesne to a paid delegated role.