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The traditional Vogue des Marrons fair, a staple of autumn in Lyon, concluded its month-long residency in the Croix-Rousse district on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. For the fairground operators, the end of the event served as a moment to reflect on what has been described as a particularly challenging edition.
Significant Revenue Decline
Organizers reported a substantial downturn in financial performance for this year’s event. According to Thierry Boulet, the spokesperson for the Vogue des Marrons, the fair experienced an overall decline in revenue of between 30 and 40 percent compared to the previous year.
Boulet attributed this sharp drop to a combination of factors, primarily the socio-economic climate in France since early October. "The event started well from October 5, but everything came to a halt when the demonstrations began," Boulet explained. "We hit a major brake. People were afraid after the events of October 17, and since Saturdays are our biggest days, the impact was severe."
Impact of Social Unrest
The fair faced multiple obstacles, including repeated public protests and riots, which deterred potential visitors. While weekday attendance remained relatively stable, the organizers struggled to attract crowds during the weekends, which are critical for the financial success of the fairground operators.
This year’s poor performance comes as a major disappointment for many operators, especially following a highly successful 2025 season. Many had hoped that the Croix-Rousse fair would help them recover from a difficult summer season marked by intense heatwaves.
Improved Relations with Local Residents
Despite the financial struggles, there was a positive development regarding the fair’s relationship with the local community. "This year, we did not hear of any complaints," noted Boulet. "Local resident groups did not contact us. We made many compromises to ensure a peaceful environment for the neighborhood."
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, the organizers emphasized that the fair remains a vital tradition. Boulet assured the public that "the fair is not dead." He also highlighted the operators’ commitment to affordability, noting that prices have remained unchanged since 2022, despite the rising cost of living.
The fair concluded its operations on Wednesday, November 11, a public holiday in France, providing one final opportunity for visitors to enjoy the attractions before the site was cleared.
Źródło: actu.fr
