It took me some time to focus the camera and be able to take a good picture of the shiny lights decorating the stores and restaurants on Cerro Alegre. Not only because I’m an amateur photographer, but because of all the lights and people walking around and taking in the views. That’s because this last Saturday was Noches Luminosas, a once-a-year event in the hills of the Port City where many businesses hang colorful lights and decorations on their windows and stay open past their regular hours to attract visitors and to light up the cold Valparaíso night. The result was quite amazing.
Families and large groups of people walked through the crooked streets while gazing at the lights in one corner, a group of tourists looking at a high window where a musician plays famous ballads for all to hear. Restaurants and cafes featured their best recipes while wine and locally brewed beer warmed the crowd. The light displays hung on the streets were part of a contest for best decoration. We are waiting for the final decision, but in the end, we all enjoyed the view regardless of the competition
2011 was the fifth year that the Noches Luminosas took place in the region, and every year it has attracted more people and attention from the media. This year it also coincided with a competition for the best once in the area as well as a local fashion event that entertained everyone for the whole day.
This initiative started as a way to get more people to visit Valparaíso at night, to really enjoy and discover the even more bohemian side of the town. It also is not a bad opportunity to watch the sunset and see the stars against the background of the beautiful hills.
If you had the chance to see Noches Luminosas for yourself let us know what you thought! If you didn’t, make sure to check it out next year. You won’t regret it!
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Shopwindow at Noches Luminosas. Photo Credit: Gonzalo Mena
