Holidays in France. May holidays in France Ascension Day in France

The first of January is New Year. Unlike Russia, in France this is not the main holiday. It is called St. Sylvester's Day. In France, the New Year holiday is not celebrated at home, although it is considered a family holiday.

The sixth of January is Catholic Epiphany, which is marked by donations.

Holidays in France in February

The second of February is the festival of violets in Toulouse. Here these flowers have a special meaning, so the festival lasts two days.

February 16 – Lemon Festival in Menton (near Nice). It is celebrated on a very large scale, lasting about 2 weeks.

Holidays in France in March

The first Sunday in March is National Grandmothers Day. Celebrated on the first Sunday of March every year, it is truly a family holiday.

March 31st is Catholic Easter. This holiday in France is celebrated not only by religious adherents.

Holidays in France in April

April 1 is April Fool's Day. It has been celebrated here for quite some time. Not only is April Fool's Day celebrated, but also the arrival of real spring.

Holidays in France in May

May 4 – Parrot Festival. An even more unusual festival takes place in Haute-Garonne on the first weekend of May.

May 15 – Cannes Film Festival, famous throughout the world. This is not a holiday, but it is celebrated more strongly than some.

May 24 – Bordeaux Wine Festival. A holiday in France dedicated to world-famous wines.

Holidays in France in June

Holidays in France in July

Holidays in France in August

Holidays in France in October

October 31st – Halloween in France. It's All Hallows' Eve. It is celebrated not only in France, but also in other countries.

Holidays in France in November

November 1st is All Saints' Day, which comes immediately after Halloween. Not so much a holiday as a day of remembrance of the dead.

Holidays in France in December

What holidays are there in France? How, what and when do the French celebrate? What interesting traditions are there? On which holiday will tourists be interested, and on which holiday should they not come to France? Read the answers in this article.

Calendar for 2019 and 2020

* - Day off only in Lorraine and Alsace

** - The holiday falls on Sunday

*** - Working day, but shortened

Public holidays in France are NOT: Epiphany, Epiphany, Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, Day of the Immaculate Conception. In many Catholic countries these days are declared public holidays, but not in France.

Postponement of holidays

Postponement of holidays is rarely practiced in France. If Bastille Day falls on a Sunday, then an additional day off is required on Monday. In the case of other holidays, the decision is entirely up to the government and the president, and they very rarely assign additional days off.

Faire le pont (Bridge)

The phrase “faire le pont” refers to the situation when the holiday falls on Thursday or Tuesday. People take a day off at their own expense on Friday or Monday, giving themselves 4 days off in a row.

This phenomenon is very common in France. Keep in mind that if a holiday falls on a Thursday, then the following Friday is a half-working day and many shops and businesses may be closed. Likewise, if a holiday falls on a Tuesday, then the Monday before it is half-working.

January 1 - New Year

In French “Nouvel an” (“Nouael he”) or “Premier de l"an” (“Premier de lion”)

In France, New Year is the main “street holiday”; most French people celebrate it on the streets or at a festive dinner in a restaurant. New Year's programs are also organized by two famous cabarets in Paris - and the Lido de Paris.

The big official fireworks display on the Champs-Élysées is sometimes held, sometimes not. There were fireworks in 2018, you can watch them in numerous videos on YouTube. Will there be fireworks displays in future years? Wait and see.

There are a lot of people who want to visit the Champs-Elysees on New Year’s Day, so you have to take seats opposite the Arc de Triomphe during the day. After the fireworks, spend a couple more hours to get out of the Champs-Elysees. works all night. People walk on the streets until the morning. Everyone congratulates each other with the words “Bonne annee!” (“Bon Anni”, trans.: “Happy Year”).

The French have a tradition of drinking and eating on New Year's Day. Moreover, they try to do it as qualitatively as possible, not quantitatively. The main products for the New Year are oysters and foie gras. They drink expensive champagne. By the way, our tradition of drinking champagne on New Year’s Eve came from France.

Children receive gifts on New Year's Day, but according to tradition, they are given gifts by their grandparents. Parents probably run out of money around Christmas. They give toys and envelopes with money, called “leurs étrennes” (“leurs étrennes”).

January 1 in France is a “dead” day, one might say “hangover day”. All shops and catering establishments are closed at least until lunchtime.

Dates vary - Good Friday, Easter, Holy Monday

Easter is Sunday. Bright Monday is a day off, a national holiday. Good Friday is a public holiday only in Alsace and Lorraine.

In French, Good Friday is “Vendredi saint,” Easter is “Pâques,” Holy Monday is “Lundi de Pâques.”

The date of Easter changes every year. Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter at different times. France is a Catholic country.

In 2018 - March 30, Good Friday, April 1, Easter, April 2, Bright Monday. In 2019 - April 19, Good Friday, April 21, Easter, April 22, Bright Monday. In 2020 - April 10, Good Friday, April 12, Easter, April 13, Bright Monday.

The traditions of celebrating Easter in France are not very different from other European countries. There is an Easter bunny and Easter eggs - decorative and chocolate.

In France, chocolate is very popular; in pastry shops before Easter you can buy chocolate eggs up to 1 meter in size and with any imaginable decor. In addition to eggs, they make figurines of rabbits, chickens, and bells. The imagination of confectioners works at full capacity on Easter. And this is logical, because even if they don’t sell these eggs and figurines, the chocolate will not be lost, the chocolate will simply be melted down into something else.

A very interesting French tradition is called “Egg Hunt”. In gardens and parks, adults hide chocolate eggs and figurines in advance. On Easter Day, children look for them. Often such events are paid for by municipalities, sometimes parents “chip in.” If the French live in a private house, then they organize hunting in their own garden.

The biggest egg hunt takes place in Paris around the Eiffel Tower. The event is sponsored by the mayor's office, about 20,000 chocolate figurines are hidden, the hunt starts at 10:00 am. Another famous “egg hunt” takes place in.

Children have a popular game where they let chicken eggs roll down a slope. Whoever's egg survived won. The winning egg symbolizes the stone that covered the tomb of Jesus Christ.

But the most interesting tradition involving eggs is the preparation of a giant omelet in the city of Bessieres. 40 chefs prepare an omelet from 15,000 chicken eggs. The omelet is eaten by 10,000 city residents and tourists who came to watch this event.

The traditional dish for the Easter meal in France is a baked leg of lamb with beans or potatoes.

For tourists, Easter in France is very interesting. This is an opportunity to visit Easter fairs, see and taste chocolate figurines, and participate in public events. The Champs-Élysées is closed to cars on Easter, so walking is a pleasure.

May 1 - Labor Day/Spring Festival

In French "Fête du Travail" or "Fête des Travailleurs" or "Fête du Muguet"

In France, May 1st is a double holiday. This is both the familiar Labor Day and the traditional French Spring Festival. Moreover, the celebration of spring is incomparably more important for the French, and they remember “Labor Day” only thanks to its official name in the calendar.

Since ancient times, on May 1, the French have celebrated the onset of warm weather, the revival of nature and the birth of new life. This tradition dates back to pagan times. This day has always been considered the most successful for finding a “soulmate.”

For dating, special dances “Bal du Muguet” were organized, to which girls and young men were allowed, but parents were not allowed. The tradition of these dances is now almost forgotten. It is customary for spouses to give flowers to each other. It is customary for unmarried men to give a bouquet to a girl they like.

The main flower in France on May 1 is the lily of the valley, here it is called the “lily of the valley.” The sale of lilies of the valley in France is not subject to taxes. Previously, unemployed people collected lilies of the valley and sold them on May 1, it was something like social support. Now this is a full-fledged business; sales of lilies of the valley on May 1 in France are estimated at 25 million euros.

The tradition of giving lilies of the valley began in 1561, when King Charles IX was given a sprig of lilies of the valley as a good luck charm. Then the tradition of giving lilies of the valley to court ladies was established.

May 1 does not feel like “Labor Day” in France; no demonstrations or parades are held here. But “Labor Day” was born in France; the holiday was proclaimed at the 1st Congress of the Second International in Paris on June 20, 1980.

For tourists, May 1 is the ideal time to walk around Paris, but we do not recommend going to the sights, there will be queues and crowds. Get ready for a shortage of tables in restaurants and cafes, because many French people want to have dinner or lunch in a restaurant with their loved ones.

May 8 - Victory in Europe Day

Day off, national holiday

In French "Fête de la Victoire"

They commemorate the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II and the end of hostilities in Europe. The surrender took place on May 8, 1945 at 23-00 Central European time. Accordingly, at 1 a.m. on May 9, Moscow time. That's why we celebrate May 9, Europeans celebrate May 8.

Let us remember that at the beginning of the war (1940), almost all of France was occupied by Germany. After this, the surviving French troops and people from the colonies fought on the side of the Allies. In total, about 550,000 French soldiers and several hundred thousand more partisans and underground fighters took part in the defeat of Germany. Therefore, the French have every right to celebrate; their contribution to the victory is significant.

On the morning of May 8, the Champs Elysees is closed to visitors. The President and the military leadership of the country hold ceremonies: laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, a minute of silence, laying flowers at the foot of the monument to Charles de Gaulle.

Military parades used to be held on the Champs Elysees, but not anymore. Now you can only see the mounted Republican Guards, they look very colorful, it’s worth a look. See photo above, click on photo to enlarge.

Ordinary French people hang French flags on their houses. Believers attend solemn services in honor of all those killed in the war. Flags of other victorious countries are sometimes hung in squares to emphasize the unity of nations in that war.

For tourists, Victory Day in Paris may be interesting to look at the guards on horseback and the positive French people on this day. In tourist areas, all shops and cafes are open. Many establishments in the city may be closed. Small shops are almost all closed, large supermarkets are open.

Date changes - Ascension Day

Day off, national holiday

In French "Ascension"

A holiday in honor of the ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven. Celebrated on the 39th day after Easter Sunday (40th day of Easter), accordingly, the holiday always falls on Thursday.

The date changes every year as the date of Easter changes. In 2018 - May 10, 2019 - May 30, 2020 - May 21, 2021 - May 13, 2022 - May 26, 2023 - May 18, 2024 - May 9, 2025 - May 29.

For Catholics, this is one of the “days of obligation” when attending mass in church is mandatory. Many French people spend the morning in church and have a festive dinner at home. In Paris, the traditional food for Ascension Day is chicken or any other poultry. In other regions of France it could be: lamb, asparagus, potato salad or mushroom soup.

The French love to have picnics with friends on this day. It is not customary here to travel outside the city; the French prefer public parks. Rarely do public events take place in parks.

Many French people choose to take Friday off at their own expense to create a four-day weekend. Therefore, the Friday following Ascension Day is actually a half-working day.

For tourists, Ascension Day does not bode well. There are no additional entertainment, but there are queues and crowds, because many French people are not averse to sightseeing on this extra day off. Half of the stores are closed, and the other half are open on a special schedule. Some cafes and restaurants are closed, while those that are open are overcrowded.

Date changes - Pentecost

Day off, national holiday

In French "Lundi de Pentecôte"

Celebrated on the 50th day after Easter Sunday, the holiday always falls on Monday. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, taught them to speak different languages, and the apostles were able to bring faith in Jesus Christ to other nations.

The date changes every year as the date of Easter changes. In 2018 - May 21, 2019 - June 10, 2020 - June 1, 2021 - May 24, 2022 - June 6, 2023 - May 29, 2024 - May 20, 2025 - June 9.

In 2005, the holiday of Pentecost was abolished by government decision. Then, after the death of more than 15,000 elderly people in 2003 during a terrible heat wave, the government decided to introduce the “Day of Solidarity” holiday instead of Pentecost, when the whole country worked for free, and the money earned went to help the disabled and the elderly.

It was an interesting social experiment that ended in failure. In France they like to conduct social experiments, as well as in Russia. The people were against it, less than half of the workers went to work, everyone “excused themselves” from work as best they could. The government under Nicolas Sarkozy has brought back Pentecost since 2008.

On Pentecost, the French go to church for mass, have picnics in parks, and visit friends and relatives. This is a purely family holiday; large public events are not held.

Nothing good for tourists. There are crowds and queues at the attractions, half the shops are closed, and free tables in taverns are in short supply.

July 14 - Bastille Day

Day off, national holiday

In French "Fête Nationale" ("Fat National")

The French call it "National Day" or "Feast of the 14th of July". This is the main secular holiday in France. The anniversary of the Paris uprising of 1789 is celebrated. The uprising began on July 12, and on July 14, the rebels stormed the famous Bastille prison and successfully took it.

According to legend, when King Louis learned about the uprising, he shouted: “But this is a riot!” The king was informed about this by the Duke of Liancourt, who served as the manager of Louis's wardrobe. The Duke said to the King in response: “No, Your Majesty, this is a revolution.”

And it really was a revolution - the Great French Revolution. The king was forced to recognize the power of the Constituent Assembly (parliament). The era of absolute monarchy ended, the system was replaced by a constitutional monarchy, and a little later (in 1792) by a republic.

On July 17, the king accepted a cockade of three colors from the deputies - blue, white, red. White was a symbol of the monarchy, red and blue were the colors of the coat of arms of Paris, under which the rebels fought. Thus the flag of France was born.

The main event on July 14 is a large military parade. It has been held annually since 1880. Even during the years of Nazi occupation (1941-1944), it was still held, but not in Paris, but in London under the leadership of the leader of the Free French, Charles de Gaulle.

The parade takes place on the Champs Elysees, the military marches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, where the columns are met by the President of France and invited leaders of other countries.

The French word for parade is "Le Défilé". And indeed the French parade is somewhat reminiscent of a fashion show. Horse guards in beautiful helmets and camisoles begin the parade. The infantry does not raise their legs at 90 degrees, as is customary with us, but walk in step and calmly. The main thing here is the beauty of the military uniform and coherence.

You can watch the parade for free, but it is advisable to reserve a viewing spot along the Champs-Elysees a few hours in advance.

The culmination of the holiday is the evening fireworks and light show at the Eiffel Tower. It is best viewed from the Champ de Mars.

For tourists, July 14 has both huge advantages and disadvantages. Pros: the opportunity to watch the parade and fireworks, go to for free. Cons: queues, crowds, public transport operates with restrictions, there are chronically not enough places in taverns.

August 15 - Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Day off, national holiday

In French "Assomption"

Unlike most Christian holidays, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary has an exact date according to the Gregorian calendar - August 15. Celebrates the day the Virgin Mary died and ascended to Heaven. The holiday was officially adopted by the Pope only in 1950; it is the youngest Catholic official holiday.

Believers attend solemn mass in churches. But most French people now do not attach much importance to religion; for them, an extra day off is already good. People try to meet with friends, visit relatives, and arrange get-togethers. It is not customary to go out of town for get-togethers; the French love picnics in city parks.

Many people want to go somewhere for fun, including sightseeing. Expect crowds, queues, congested public transport. Cafes and restaurants may not have empty seats.

Catholics can organize processions on the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Some tourists are interested in looking at this, and perhaps this is the only thing that may be interesting on this day.

November 1 - All Saints Day

Day off, national holiday

In French "Toussaint"

He is the well-known “Halloween”. Day in memory of all saints and martyrs. It has a fixed date - November 1.

When you hear the word “Halloween,” many people think of pumpkins and evil spirits costumes. But this is an Anglo-Saxon tradition of celebration. The French do not like the British, and these “pumpkin” traditions are not accepted.

Although pumpkins and costumes are sold in stores. If you wish, you can attend a pumpkin-themed party; they are held in Parisian and Marseille clubs and resorts.

In France, All Saints' Day is far from merry. The French go to a solemn service, and then go to cemeteries. It is customary to bring chrysanthemums or artificial flowers and light candles to the graves of relatives.

Chrysanthemum in France symbolizes death, under no circumstances give them to people, it’s like wishing death on a person!

Candles make cemeteries look amazing. Some tourists even go to see this spectacle. It’s difficult to say how ethical it is to go to a cemetery as a tourist attraction? By tradition, it is customary to visit cemeteries on November 2 - All Souls Day. But for most French people, November 1 is more convenient, since it is a day off.

On All Saints' Day, it is customary to have a dinner with a dish of lamb or venison. It is also customary to have a midnight dinner, eating bacon and pancakes, and drinking cider in memory of the departed. These culinary traditions are now almost forgotten.

November 11 - Day of Reconciliation

Day off, national holiday

In French "Armistice"

Celebrates the end of the First World War. Anniversary of the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918 between France and Germany. The truce came into force at 11 am.

"November 11th Holiday" was introduced in 1922. It could not be called “Victory Day”, since de facto there was no winner in the war. The French were nominally victorious, but not a single French soldier set foot on German soil. It has always been a day of remembrance for the dead.

After the Second World War, November 11 became a day of remembrance for those killed in this war as well. And now it is considered a day of remembrance of all the French who died on the battlefields. At 11 am it is customary to hold a minute of silence.

The military organizes parades on this day, but not as large as on Bastille Day. The most famous parade on November 11th takes place under the Arc de Triomphe, and groups of military personnel from other countries often participate in this parade.

In general, no general grief is felt on November 11 in French cities. People are relaxing: some are walking with children in the park, some are in a pub, some are in amusement parks.

Expect queues and crowds, nothing good for a tourist other than the opportunity to watch the parades.

December 24 - Christmas Eve, December 25 - Christmas Day, December 26 - St. Stephen's Day

Christmas Eve is a working day, Christmas Day is a day off, St. Stephen's Day is a day off only in Alsace and Lorraine

In French: Christmas Eve - "La veille de Noël", Christmas Day - "Noël", St. Stephen's Day - "Deuxième jour de Noël" or "Saint Étienne"

The traditions of celebrating Christmas in France are not particularly original. This is a Christmas tree and gifts for children under it. The French Father Christmas is called "Père Noël" ("Father of Christmas"), children write letters to him. Large Christmas markets open in cities a few weeks before Christmas. The French already start congratulating each other within a week with the phrase “Joyeux Noël” (trans.: “Merry Christmas”).

In France, it is customary to have a festive dinner “Réveillon” on Christmas Eve, the main dishes: baked turkey or goose with chestnuts, oysters, foie gras, venison and cheese. First they have dinner in the evening, then they go to church for a solemn service, and after the service they continue with dinner. There is no tradition of walking the streets at night; the streets are empty at night.

For dessert, they prepare a chocolate roll “bûche de Noël”, the name translates as “Christmas log”. It used to be a common tradition to burn a special log made of cherry wood in the fireplace at Christmas. This log was soaked in wine for flavor. Nowadays, few residents of French cities have fireplaces, so instead of burning a wooden log, they eat chocolate.

In many countries there is a tradition when children hang socks by the fireplace, in which their parents put sweets. In France, it is customary not to hang socks, but to place shoes near the fireplace. And not some kind purchased in advance for this purpose, but the most ordinary one that is worn every day. Parents put sweets, chocolates, fruits in their shoes, and then the children eat it. We will not comment on how well this tradition complies with sanitary standards.

For tourists, Christmas can be interesting. Firstly, go to Christmas markets, where you can see and buy dozens of types of holiday sweets, miniature figurines, and delicacies. Secondly, see the stunning illumination of the streets of Paris.

However, you will hardly be able to feel the holiday itself on the night of December 24-25. After all, Christmas is a family holiday, the streets are empty. If you decide to watch Christmas in Paris, then remember the problem of hotel rooms. Some hotels are fully booked by the beginning of December, and room prices are going through the roof.

More holidays without days off

In France, the following are considered holidays, but without the designation of days off:

Mothers Day- last Sunday in May. It is customary to give pleasant surprises, gifts and flowers to your mothers and wives.

Father's Day- 3rd Sunday of June. It is customary to give pleasant surprises and gifts to your fathers and husbands.

St. Nicolas day- December 6. Celebrated in eastern France. On this day it is customary to give gifts to children, since St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children.

Have a good trip to France, and read our interesting articles about this country ( list of articles below).

On the eve of the May weekend, we decided to talk about what holidays are celebrated this month in France.

Russian tourists have always associated France with romance and luxury, fashionable resorts and fashionable designer innovations. France is the persistent and daring vocals of Edith Piaf, the crispy crust of a croissant with a cup of coffee, a glass of dry red wine from the best vineyards of the country, the eternal Chanel No. 5 and the Musketeers.

The list of what France is associated with can be continued endlessly. But France is famous not only for what first comes to mind. This country is also famous for its rich culture, traditions and customs. All this rich heritage is absorbed by French holidays, of which there are many in the country - every season there is a holiday to your liking.

There are eight such holidays in May, so you can very easily combine it with festivities at one of them. Let's go through each of them.

We all know very well what is customary to do in Russia on this day, but in France Labor Day is celebrated a little differently. And this holiday is associated primarily with lilies of the valley. It is believed that this flower brings happiness, so on May 1 it is sold on every corner and given to all friends and relatives.

The tradition was fixed on May 1 because, according to legend, plants acquire beneficial magical properties on this day. It was also believed that if dew was collected before sunrise on May 1, it would have special properties, soften the skin and prevent skin diseases.

By the way, on the rest of the year the sale of lilies of the valley is prohibited in the country.

Ascension of the Lord May 5

The Ascension of the Lord is a holiday in memory of the ascension of Christ into heaven. Its date is not constant and moves between May and early June, but always falls on the fortieth day after Easter.

On the night of the holiday, a majestic service takes place, as well as several rituals, including the blessing of beans and grapes, the extinguishing of the Easter candle and solemn processions.

Parrot Festival May 6

Every year it is held in the small town of Haute-Garrona. This festival on the first weekend in May is associated with many medieval traditions and amusements.

Day of liberation from fascism May 8

In Russia, Victory Day is celebrated on May 9, and in France on May 8, in memory of the date when Nazi Germany surrendered. As in Russia on May 9, the French do not work on May 8 - the holiday is a public holiday.

As a rule, during the holiday, heads of state lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but the French President slightly changed this ceremony, adding also the ritual of lighting the eternal flame together with lyceum students.

War veterans are the most honored guests at the holiday. The President personally shakes hands with each of them.

Cannes Film Festival May 11

Every year the most takes place in May on the Cote d'Azur. About 10 thousand accredited professionals, about 4 thousand journalists and a large number of A-list stars gather for the 10 days of the festival in Cannes.

When the festival opened in 1939, the honorary chairman of the jury was the creator of cinema, Louis Lumière himself.

Holy Spirit Day May 15

The Day of the Holy Spirit is also called Pentecost and takes place on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Since its introduction in ancient times, the holiday has always been celebrated solemnly by the church. The custom of the ancient Church to perform the baptism of catechumens on this day gave it a special triumph.

On this day, not only churches, but also French houses are decorated with plants: flowers and tree branches.

Monaco Grand Prix 2016 May 26

The date is also variable, but it always falls in May. The rally takes place over 4 days on the Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco.

The first rally took place in 1911, but regular races in Monaco began to be held only in 1929. This stage of Formula 1 has always been considered the most dangerous and spectacular at the same time. In addition, the Monaco Grand Prix is ​​the most prestigious stage of racing in the world championship.

Naturally, there are many more holidays in May in France than we have listed in this collection. Regions have their own holidays, and various festivals are held throughout the country every week.

This article will talk about how the French spend their favorite holidays: from New Year to Bastille Day, from Birthday to Mother's Day. You will find out what gifts are best to give and what not to give to your French friends on this holiday...

Despite the fact that in France the church is separated from the state, many holidays and weekends (days when it is officially allowed not to work) are associated with Catholicism. Today people are less religious and sometimes young people do not know the origin of some traditions.

This little boy is celebrating his birthday. Family members who were unable to attend the celebration will send him cards and gifts. (In France, cards are never given by hand, with or without gifts. They are sent only if it is not possible to personally congratulate the birthday person on the holiday.)

When a child loses his first tooth, he puts it under his pillow so that the little mouse will bring him candy or some money.

6th January or on the first Sunday of the month - feast of the Epiphany(Epiphanie). Those gathered at the table share a pie with a baked surprise. The king's crown, which adorns the pie, goes to the one who finds a figurine or bean in his piece. Tirer les rois– literally means “to pull out the king”, i.e. to eat a piece of pie with a “bean”

The person who finds her becomes the king (queen) of the evening, puts a paper crown on his head and chooses a queen or king (in honor of the wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus) and kisses the chosen one. Later, the king or queen must buy another cake and invite those present to prolong the celebration. Thus, the feast can last for several days.

April 1st – April Fool's Day. People joke or laugh at each other. For example, a fish made of paper can be discreetly attached to a person’s back - it is called “Poisson d’avril”

Palm Sunday(le Dimanche des Rameaux): On the Sunday before Easter, Catholics go to church with a small branch of boxwood (a shrub with very small leaves).

IN Easter(Paques) children receive chocolate figures in the form of eggs, bells, and fish as a gift! The celebration continues on Monday of Easter week. This Catholic holiday celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Many families take advantage of the big weekend to gather around the table. On Easter, special dishes are prepared that are not eaten on ordinary days, for example, a ham of lamb or a hare dish.

And for dessert, no doubt, there will be a cake purchased at the pastry shop, which is made by the pastry chef especially for the holiday.

Public Holiday - Bastille day signifying the beginning of the revolution of 1789. On this day, military parades and balls take place on the streets of cities.

And, of course, in the evening you can admire the fireworks. In some cities, a torchlight procession is organized. People go around the village with torches, dancing and/or setting off fireworks.

August 15: holiday - Catholic holiday Dormition of the Virgin Mary(Assomption de la Vièrge). Often on this day people gather for a family dinner.

Nov. 1– All Saints Day (Toussaint). On this day, some French people bring flowers (chrysanthemums) to the graves of their deceased loved ones, although Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 2. (Attention! Never give chrysanthemums as gifts. In France they are considered flowers for the dead).

11th of November: public holiday commemorating the conclusion of the armistice of the First World War in 1918. On this day, flowers are laid at the tomb of the unknown soldier (near the triumphal arch) and at the monuments of fallen soldiers.

November 25: St. Catherine's Day. On this day, unmarried girls aged 25 and older wear extravagant hats. They are called "Caterinettes".

(***The article was created based on materials from the site http://web.cortland.edu/ Translation from French: Tatyana Zadoya)

If you come to France for permanent residence, you will have to face the fact that there is a completely different culture here, which is expressed in almost everything. Including, France has its own special holidays. To become a full-fledged Frenchman, you need not only to accustom yourself to celebrate them, but also to understand their inner meaning, and also to know all the traditions that accompany these holidays. This is what we want to tell you about.

Speaking about holidays in France in general, you can notice that there are many more public holidays that are of a religious (Christian) nature. At the same time, those holidays that were originally religious have largely lost their primary meaning and have become simply lovely home holidays for the whole family. For example, the Christmas traditions of giving gifts and putting up a Christmas tree, in principle, have nothing to do with the idea of ​​the incarnation of the Savior. So if religion is not close to you, then you can still take part in festive feasts, give gifts and have fun along with everyone else.

Let's talk about the holidays that fill life in France, in the order in which they follow in the calendar year.

New Year - NouvelAn (January 1)

Unlike the Russian New Year, in France this holiday is not the main one of the year and is generally celebrated more than modestly. There is no two-week drinking spree, festivities and the roar of pyrotechnics; usually the French have a modest family dinner on this day, invite their closest friends or their significant other, watch TV, wish each other happiness and kiss. The New Year in France is also more modest because not long before this, Christmas was already celebrated, which is celebrated here on a much larger scale.

A couple of glasses of champagne (by the way, France is the birthplace of this wine) and modest, cute gifts - this is what the New Year looks like in France. Without unnecessary scope and roar, but with soul.

Epiphany (Feast of the Three Kings) - FêtedesRois (January 6)

The first religious holiday of the year. In Orthodox countries, Epiphany is the day of the Savior’s baptism in the Jordan River, and this is celebrated on January 19. Here everything is different - it is celebrated on January 6 and marks the worship of the Magi to the born Baby. The Three Wise Men are beloved characters in Europe, and in France in particular. With their participation, skits are performed, and of course, gifts are given in large quantities to each other, and especially to children.

On this day, a large delicious pie is traditionally baked with a “bob” - any small thing. Whoever finds the "bob" will be the king of the evening and will receive the most gifts.

Candlemas - LaChandeleur (February 2)

A holiday in honor of the meeting of the newborn Christ with Simeon. There is more of a religious bias here; Catholic believers go to churches for masses and light candles. One of the fun traditions is that on this day it is customary to bake and eat pancakes so that there will be prosperity in the beginning of the year. These, of course, are no longer Christian motives, but pagan ones - the pancake symbolizes the sun and therefore is a symbol of a rich harvest.

Fat Tuesday - MardiGras (day of celebration depends on Easter)

This day is analogous to Russian Maslenitsa, because it is celebrated just before the beginning of Lent. The main meaning of this day is to eat up everything that cannot be eaten during fasting, so even the French who usually abstain in the amount of food eat their fill on this day. Unlike Maslenitsa, this holiday is celebrated for only one day.

Ash Wednesday - Mercredides Cendres (beginning of Lent)

The day corresponding to Clean Monday in Russia. On this day, Lent begins, believers go to church, and at the end of the service, a cross with ashes is drawn on everyone’s forehead as a sign of repentance.

Easter - LundidePâques (between May 22 and April 25)

A beautiful and solemn holiday, marking the victory of life over death. Throughout France, bells are rung on this day, and it is also customary to give children chocolate eggs, which replace regular colored eggs here.

Labor Day - FêteduTravail (May 1st)

This holiday is celebrated in many countries, but in France it is full of special meaning, because it was from here that the workers’ struggle for their rights began, and in particular, for the 8-hour working day, which is now accepted throughout the world. Labor Day was first celebrated in 1947. Trade unions hold rallies and meetings on this day, which is generally very typical for France with its vibrant public life and endless strikes. If you are goingcome to France for permanent residence, then it is advisable to participate in public life in order to earn the respect of the French.

Victory Day - 8 May 1945 (May 8)

Such an understandable holiday for everyone who lives in the countries of the former USSR. Arriving live in France, You will note with regret that there is little left of this holiday here. Not only is it celebrated a day earlier, but it is also much more modest. This day is, first of all, the day of the end of World War II. At the same time, as a rule, the contribution of the Soviet people to this victory is not mentioned, and in recent years this issue has become the reason for numerous political manipulations. However, on May 8 in France we always remember how in 1945 Marshal de Gaulle announced to the entire French people that the war was over. Usually on this day patriotic anthems are sung, including the La Marseillaise. France is one of the few countries where Victory Day is still celebrated, and the reason for this is mainly that France experienced the invasion of the invaders and still remembers it.

War veterans who fought against fascism gather for the holiday, as in other countries, and the president personally shakes hands with each of them. In recent years, the ceremony of lighting the Eternal Flame has been added to the laying of flowers, which is also conducted by the president of the country.

Music Day - Fêtedelamusique (June 21)

But this is a purely French holiday, which has no analogues in other countries. The main idea of ​​this day is the high art of music. As part of such a holiday, naturally, a large number of concerts are held. Some of them are organized on stages, some right in the open air. They don’t forget to hold charity concerts in hospitals, prisons, and so on. The French really love music and know how to appreciate it. If you arrivelive in France, then be sure to visit the Music Day. You will be able to feel the atmosphere of France and learn a lot about this country, because almost every French person really loves and appreciates music, as well as art in general.

For musicians and singers, of course, this day is the main day of the year. Find out in advance where your favorite band will be performing that day (and they will definitely be performing), and go there to experience this day to the fullest.

Bastille Day - Le 14 juillet, La prise de la Bastille (July 14)

For the French, this holiday commemorates the victory of the Republic over the monarchy. It was on this day in 1789 that the Bastille, the strongest prison in France, was destroyed.

This day is one of the most beloved by the French, so it is celebrated in three stages.

Even on July 13, the day before, the holiday begins with the Grand Ball in the Tulieri Garden - the central park of Paris. On July 14, that is, directly on the day of the storming of the Bastille, a solemn march takes place along the Champs-Elysees. There is also a march from Place Charles de Gaulle (the one who announced the end of World War 2) to the Louvre. Usually the President of France takes part in this parade.

Finally, the third stage is the festive fireworks display near the Eiffel Tower. This holiday is usually attended by the French from all over the country, as well as many foreigners, and such fireworks will not disappoint you - the French do everything to celebrate Bastille Day properly.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary - Assomption de Marie (August 15)

On this day, processions are organized throughout Paris, mainly along the Seine. The bells are ringing, an event from sacred history is remembered, namely the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven, the transition from earthly life to heavenly life.

All Saints' Day (November 1)

A very controversial holiday. As for the traditions of its celebration in France, this day does not involve noisy celebrations and feasts. From a religious point of view, this is a reminder to a person that every person can achieve moral perfection and holiness. From a practical point of view, on this day the French try to remember relatives who have passed on to another world and visit their burial places.

Moreover, if you arrivelive in France for permanent residence, it is useful to know that it is on November 1 that all those who died during the Second World War are remembered; the President of France usually lays flowers on this day at the monument to the unknown soldier.

At the same time, many people celebrate Halloween on the day before this holiday. This is a really noisy and fun holiday, again, with pagan roots, with dressing up in costumes of evil spirits. Such masquerades usually take place in pre-booked cafes and restaurants, accompanied by laughter, feasting and alcohol.

Thus, on November 1, everyone can choose for themselves how to celebrate, noisily or quietly, and what exactly to celebrate.

Armistice Day - L'armistice (November 11)

Another quiet and sad autumn holiday. I remember the end of the First World War - France, by the way, is one of the few countries where this war has not yet been erased from memory, having been erased by the second. The program of events is almost the same: laying flowers on monuments and graves, a minute of silence is announced, state flags are flown at half-mast. This day is declared a public holiday in France.

Christmas - Noël (December 25)

Let's end the list of holidays on a positive note, because Christmas is our favorite and one of the brightest holidays.

On this day, Catholic believers attend a festive mass in churches, where a manger is installed, reminiscent of the coming of Jesus into the world. The Christmas holiday begins the day before, on the evening of December 24th. On this day, a baked turkey and a “Christmas log” - BûchedeNoël - are usually placed on the table. This is a sweet delicacy, most similar to a roll, where the spiral-shaped layer of filling resembles the annual rings of a log. This tradition also has not Christian, but pagan roots - the ancestors of the French, who worshiped the sun, burned large logs on this day, believing that such a ritual brings good luck and protects against evil spirits. Later, the ritual turned into eating a sweet pie, which increased its popularity. You can bake a Christmas log yourself, or you can buy it in a store - there will be no problems buying it during the holidays.