And you can celebrate this  French tradition too. Learn about some of the French traditions in Guyane, an overseas department of France in South America. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. The dates are set by the Ministry of Education (Ministère de l’Éducation nationale). Pinning a paper fish (or a live one, if you can manage it) on unwary friends and relatives on April Fish Day (Poisson d’avril) is most certainly traditional. Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Holidays and celebrations in France play an integral part of the country’s popular culture. The most famous and extravagant celebrations take place in New Orleans, Brazil, Colombia, the Netherlands, Venice, Italy and throughout the Caribbean. These figures might include a village mayor, a peasant, a gypsy, a drummer boy, and other colorful characters. Certain elements of the culture are world-famous, such as the deep regard the French have for excellent food and wine. It is the day of the International Workers’ Day, which celebrates the struggles for the 8-hour day. Considered a salute to the birth of French Democracy, Bastille Day is one of France’s biggest national holidays. No matter where in France you go, you’ll spot locals enjoying an apéro come late afternoon. From Fashion Week to Christmas, there are so many beautiful festivals in France that you can become a part of. Christmas Traditions In France Advent Calendars (Les Calendriers de l’Avent) Advent calendars are a big deal in France. The origins of the celebration date from ancient times, but over the centuries many French regions have created their own traditions to ward … This blog © French Moments, 2012-2020 • All Rights Reserved • Developed by. 4. 5. Click here to get your free copy now! Today, the 6th of December, is Saint Nicolas Day in Europe. These special rituals help to form the very fabric of a culture, and makes it distinctly recognizable to outsiders. And in fact, each region in France has their own celebrations specific to that area. The name means ‘Fat Tuesday’ and is actually a religious holiday as well. 2. Today, the 6th of December, is Saint Nicolas Day in Europe. Birthday celebrations in France. Some celebrations in France are local events, including sporting events. Come nightfall, France’s main cities put on impressive fireworks shows. Like in Australia and New Zealand, the school year in the French territories of New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna starts in late January and finishes early December. The tradition actually dates back to the 400s when Roman Catholics began to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world in the late weeks of January and early February as Carnival. Corsica and the Overseas départements and territories of France apply different school holidays times. Saint Nicolas Day is a religious observance and not a nationwide holiday. Weather is usually at its summer best on Bastille Day, and people usually celebrate with a big picnic, or family meal outside. Paris, France is known as the city of love, so it should come as no surprise that the French know how to celebrate Valentine's Day. As this is not the first time you are here, you may be interested in downloading the guide "20 Amazing Offbeat Places in Paris". We like her different point of view when she writes - of course our tour guides are a great source of tips and inspiration in her articles. Therefore, the winter and spring holidays don’t take place at the same time whether a school is based in Paris, Strasbourg or Toulouse. During the storming of the Bastille, the then government was overthrown and Feudalism officially ended. Public Holidays in France in 2018 January 1: New Year’s Day April 2: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 8: […] Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. In authentic dishes like coq au … Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale, celebrated on July 14, is independence day.It commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison that sparked the French Revolution. The Republic of France is a European state with a population of about 66 million. A carryover from the days when Alsace transitioned from German back into French hands, December 26th marks the day of Saint-Étienne and, just as the rest of the country trudges back to work with a hangover, lucky Alsatians get the day off. They open early December and attract many tourists and local residents to their cities. Food is a big part of French Christmas traditions. Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. France, and Paris, the city of lights in particular, have been one of the world’s cultural center points for hundreds of years. And people take to the streets in elaborate costumes for days of parties and feasting. I hope this article will give you some insights about what to expect on your next travel to France! No Bridezilla. It is a tradition is to serve a special cake called “une galette des rois” which contains une fève (usually a porcelain figurine). No other country in Europe celebrates Christmas in such a fashion. But I quickly learned that Chandeleur (or Candlemas in English) is an important and delicious French tradition. 5 of them are civil holidays: New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An), May Day (1er Mai or Fête du Travail), French Regional Christmas Traditions While most French regions are tuned into the same Christmas traditions as we see in the U.S. – with slimmer and taller Père Noël or Father Christmas standing in for the fat and jolly American Santa Claus – some … Considering the origin of Thanksgiving, its absence in France makes complete sense. The date for the Christmas celebration in France is a bit flexible. The tradition actually dates back to the 400s when Roman Catholics began to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Did you know that the French traditions of Christmas play an integral part of celebrating the birth of Jesus in France? Take a second to support French Moments on Patreon! Thus was born Thanksgiving. A few examples: Our daughter’s “Rentrée” © French Moments. The outdoor Gay Ball. As one of the oldest cultures in the world, France has plenty of traditions that are still celebrated today. Further Read: Shun The Cliched and Visit These 10 Best Waterfalls In France This Summer! The most famous Christmas market in Europe is held annually in Strasbourg, … Mardi Gras in New Orleans – Sourced from Wikimedia Commons. The French observe 11 official public holidays. Paris is theplace for the big festivities and events. Protected: How the Eiffel Tower was saved from destruction, Top 10 Funniest Movies Starring Louis de Funès, All there is to know about Summer in France, Christmas 2016 at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Christmas fairs are one of the most colorful traditions in both France and Monaco. The best and most traditional French foods are unfussy and rely on simple yet flavorful combinations that enhance seasonal ingredients. The best travel bag for your next trip to France! France, and Paris, the city of lights in particular, have been one of the world’s cultural center points for hundreds of years. During the 19 th and 20 th Centuries, the French culture and charm rapidly spread all over the world, bringing with it the latest trends of French culture and lifestyle.. "CHRISTMAS IN ALSACE - a Photographic Journey" The French observe 11 official public holidays. The Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are especially famous. Christmas in France, called Noël, is no exception, boasting many age-old traditions. Whether you are visiting Paris or the Province, holidays and celebrations in France will definitely bring an ‘exotic taste’ to your stay. The French President and military commanders are always present. When to Celebrate Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are the significant holy days (both recognized as public holidays) in France. The idea of an apéro is now cemented in French culture. Did you know that the French annual calendar is punctuated with eleven bank holidays? Read on to learn about this special day in France … And learn about the delicious treats you’ll discover in bakeries and patisseries as part of the celebrations. La Chandeleur (Candlemas or Crêpe Day) is celebrated in France on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas Day. During the morning, Paris hosts Europe’s largest military parade on the Champs-Elysées. The night before there is many public dances and private ones. This is a wonderful French custom going back many, many centuries. In ancient times, it was believed that a pre meal drink would open or work up your appetite. Holidays and celebrations in France play an integral part of the country’s popular culture. It is a public celebration, non-work and paid. Bastille Day Celebrations depicted by Claude Monet – Sourced from WIkimedia Commons. Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale, celebrated on July 14, is independence day. French Moments is about promoting the French culture and language through its website and social network. However, French birthday cakes are often very different from the over-the-top, frosted confections that are common in North America As its fellow European neighbouring nations, it goes through a cycle of four distinctive seasons: Click on the images below to reach our dedicated pages on the seasons of France: Some of the links above are affiliates so if you’re planning a trip, using these links helps me keep things running. Or at least its origins are religious. Families ad friends get together to enjoy a huge meal, usually dinner. France enjoys special days and national celebrations throughout the year. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14. The Institution in France Said to have been established by Pope Liberius in the year 354 A.D., Chandeleur or Candlemas is one of the oldest Christian Holy Days. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying. You don’t need to be in Paris to celebrate New years. When the world runs wild with pranks on April Fools’ Day, something fishy is on hand in France ‒ literally. If you are in France during this day, you can head over to the Place de la Bastille where a huge dance party takes place. They mark May Day, also known as Labor Day, on May 1. Carnivals are primarily celebrated in catholic countries, with a particularly strong tradition in France. The period leading up to Lent is celebrated in France, as it is in many places in the world, with much merry-making and fanfare. Learn about some of the French traditions in Guyane, an overseas department of France in South America. A public costume ball held on the Place de la Bastille (12e). Our resident wedding planning expert Fabienne Slater owner of Elian Concept Weddings and Events and member of UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, to share her 10 French Wedding Traditions. How do the French celebrate Christmas? An apéro can take place just about anywhere; from an after work picnic in the park to a fancy cocktail lounge, to your friends’ house. Massive parades spread over the downtown area. and some families celebrate Christmas on December 25th. In France, the New Year’s Eve celebration is called “Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre”. Some French Christmas traditions are even on the weird, but good, side of life. At French weddings, the bride is not the center of attention. Paris, Lyon and Marseille are home to the country’s biggest celebrations. Check the official homepage of the city you are in to see what festivities are offered. The French celebrate the traditional Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. School holidays (les vacances d’été) play an important part in the tourism industry in France. More specifically, a feast. The French love celebrating Bastille Day and do so every year on the 14th of July. The school year in France stretches from “La Rentrée” (coming back to school) to “Les Grandes Vacances” (Summer recess). The French people were rioting against Royal absolutism and planned an attack on the military prison at the Bastille. The 14th of July is a very special day in France as it celebrates and commemorates the storming of the Bastille. Basically, Fat Tuesday is a day of excess and feasting, the last chance to go all out before the fasting that would usually take place during the forty days of Lent. Thus relieving the pressure on skiing and Mediterranean resorts. While most of our Paris writers are born and raised Parisians, Jordan is not. Learn how your comment data is processed. These traditions can be anything from shared recipes, to special holidays and festivals. As with most other French traditions, the food and drinks served during apéro change with the regions. Pierre is the author of the Discovery Course on the Secrets of the Eiffel Tower and the Christmas book "Voyage au Pays de Noël". Fête de la Musique, also known as Music Day, is an annual festival that takes place in France and is celebrated the most in Paris. Bal du 14 Juillet 1. Bastille Day refers to the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. Victory in Europe Day on May 8 commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe in World War II. The two biggest holidays, Easter and Christmas, are based on Christian religious traditions, as up to 88 percent of France's population of 65 million identify as Roman Catholic. In France, Candlemas is celebrated every year on February 2nd, or around that time. There’s no extra cost to you. via GIPHY. How to Celebrate Christmas in France: History and Traditions. Read on to learn about this special day in France … And learn about the delicious treats you’ll discover in bakeries and patisseries as part of the celebrations. The French school calendar includes five periods of holidays: France is situated in the Northern Hemisphere. A compilation of things I loved and experienced while visiting Alsace in December. The two biggest holidays, Easter and Christmas, are based on Christian religious traditions, as up to 88 percent of France's population of 65 million identify as Roman Catholic. 23 December , 2020. In Paris, the show takes place on the Eiffel Tower, and hundreds of thousands gather in the streets to watch. So, here's some of our favourite traditions you might encounter if you're heading across the channel for impending nuptials. “La Saint-Sylvestre” (pronounced “la sain-sil ve-str”) is the patron saint of the New year. She is a Californian who moved to Paris in 2013. French Traditions and Culture. Now you’ve definitely heard of Mardi Gras. The 14th of July, or Bastille Day is easily one of the most celebrated French traditions. The 14th of July, or Bastille Day is easily one of the most celebrated French traditions. If you haven’t heard of this one before, you’re not alone. When you stay in France, whether for four days or four years, familiarizing yourself with its cultures and tr… France doesn't just have culture; the word "culture" actually comes from France. Public Holidays in France. Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower + Summit access, Arc de Triomphe: Skip The Line + Rooftop Access, Beautiful Paris by night: Discover Paris’ most iconic view at night, Things to do in Paris on Christmas Day (2019). If you’re planning a trip, using these links helps us keep things running. There’s no extra cost to you. In France, we eat mainly oysters, snails, foie gras, dine with chestnuts, stuffed capons, the Christmas log … Civil celebrations February 14: Valentine’s Day – La Saint Valentin . As well as a number of religious, civil and commemorative celebrations? France is still a largely Catholic country, which means that Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is still a fairly popular tradition. What are the Holidays and Celebrations in France? Birthday parties in France usually include some form of sweet treat. This is one of the most famous French traditions worldwide! Mardi Gras in France. Families and friends usually gather for a large meal. In France, we know how to celebrate life in many occasions! The zones gather regional education authorities known as “académies” in French. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the most celebrated French traditions. In Paris, we find the famous Christmas market on the Champs Elysees. Read more. 6 public holidays have a religious origin based on the Catholic faith: In addition, people living in the two départements of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin in Alsace and in the Lorraine département of Moselle enjoy two additional public holidays: This is due to historical reasons when the three départements were returned to France in 1918. And who can blame them? Well, the festive season consists of many favourite customs such as the Christmas tree, the chocolate bûche, the Père Noël and the great Christmas Eve dinner. In the south, apéro almost always consists of Pastis, usually served with bread and local specialties like olives, anchovies, etc. Even though it’s the same holiday, celebrated on the same date as it is here in the US, there are few small differences between the way Christmas is celebrated here and Noël is celebrated France. All you have to do is click the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. This is the day the Bastille fortress in Paris was stormed by revolutionaries to start the French Revolution.Additional reporting by Alina Bradford, Live Science ContributorAdditional resources 1. 1. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. The French seem to love a good tradition. French cuisine is at the center of its culture. Location: Sedan Castle Festival Medieval De Sedan 2020 Dates: 16-17 May 2020. And as with any great French tradition, it involves food. There are fixed national holidays and changeable national holidays and special days that aren’t holidays but are when traditions are honoured. The Eiffel Tower Discovery Course is here! It is, however, celebrated … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Founded by Jack Lang in 1982, this festival has become so popular that it is now celebrated in more than 120 countries around the world, including the USA, Australia, UK, and Japan. Bastille Day refers to the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. It is, however, celebrated … There are three school zones in France. They vary depending on the zones the schools are located. Chandeleur is also called the Feast of the Presentation, and commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. French Yule Log. France is a country rich with traditions and cultural customs. 1st may: Labor Day – La fête du travail – French celebration On the first of May, Labor Day was declared a celebration on April 23, 1919. All across France in French Villages and Towns, New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a variety of ways from parades and fireworks to dances and light shows. 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