The end of year festivities were officially launched on Saturday, December 1st, 2018, in Caen. As night fell, the spirit of Christmas took over the cobblestone streets of the city center. Our reporter-photographer Stéphane Geufroi caught the moment when giant polar bears wandered about dancing and music among hundreds of parents and children marveling. Discover his photos. For your viewing pleasure !

The Christmas spirit took hold of downtown Caen late Saturday afternoon. From rue de Strasbourg to Place Saint-Sauveur, an impressive crowd of young and old followed the strolling giant luminous bears of the Ile-de-France company Remue-Ménage. Our reporter-photographer Stéphane Geufroi has captured these moments of joy.

Street of Strasbourg, dancers and waders preceded the arrival of the giant bears. | Stéphane Geufroi

On Saturday evening, Saint-Pierre Street, hundreds of people followed the walk of the giant bears. | Stéphane Geufroi

The polar bears came alive in music under the control of acrobats, accompanied by dancers and waders.

Acrobats, dancers and waders accompanied the strolling giant bears. | Stéphane Geufroi

Hundreds of spectators (including many children accompanied by their parents) followed, amazed, this magical show.

Hundreds of people attended this show. | Stéphane Geufroi

Hundreds of people attended this show. | Stéphane Geufroi

Dangerous exercise for these waders: dancing in the rain on slippery pavements. | Stéphane Geufroi

In the rain, impressive crowd St. Peter Street. | Stéphane Geufroi