Editing Metz (section)

=== Celebrations and events ===
Many events are celebrated in Metz throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php#.T-5cBXCkQVk |archive-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217123447/http://tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php%23.T-5cBXCkQVk |url-status=dead |title=Official website of the Metz tourism office, events calendar (automated updates). |language=fr}}</ref> The city of Metz dedicates two weeks to the [[Mirabelle plum]] during the popular Mirabelle Festival held in August. During the festival, in addition to open markets selling fresh plums, mirabelle tarts and mirabelle liquor, there are live music, fireworks, parties, art exhibits, a parade with floral floats, a competition, the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen and a gala of celebration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fetesdelamirabelle.fr/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630113513/http://www.fetesdelamirabelle.fr/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2012 |title=Official website of the Mirabelle Festival in Metz. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref>

A literature festival is held in June. The Montgolfiades [[hot air balloon festival]] is organized in September. The second most popular [[Christmas Market]] in France is held in November and December.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.noel-a-metz.com/ |title=Official website of the Christmas Market in Metz. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623093017/http://www.noel-a-metz.com/ |archive-date=23 June 2012}}</ref> Finally, a [[St. Nicholas|Saint Nicholas]] parade honors the [[patron saint]] of the [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine region]] in December.