France is recognized as the most romantic country in the world, which is why it is very loved by tourists. Here are cozy streets, wonderful landscapes, excellent cuisine. You can also enjoy famous sights. And for a vacation in the country to be remembered for a long time, one must visit here at solemn events. There are various holidays in France with their own history and traditions.
Public holidays
The French honor their story, so by many dates they have triumphs. Moreover, they celebrate them thanks to their generally accepted traditions. Public holidays in France are as follows:
- St. Sylvester Day. It is also called the New Year, as it is celebrated on December 31 - January 1. Although the celebration is family-friendly, many locals gather relatives and friends in a nightlife. The table must be decorated with mistletoe, which is believed to bring good luck.
- Labor Day. It is celebrated on May 1. In France, it is also the Lily of the Valley Festival. The tradition has included the gift of these fragrant bouquets, which symbolize happiness.
- Liberation from the fascist occupation. The event of May 8 is celebrated. It is declared a day off. Usually, wreaths are laid at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Veterans come to the celebration, with whom the president shakes hands.
- The capture of the Bastille - July 14. This event was associated with the capture of the prison fortress, after which the Great French Revolution began. French national holidays include this day.
- All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1. Holiday in France is considered religious. People say prayers for deceased relatives in the church, and then visit the burial place. It is customary to put candles and tidy up the cemetery.
Which holiday in France is considered the most important? This is Christmas. Since almost all residents are considered Catholics, celebrate it on December 25. People carefully prepare for the event: decorate the premises, Christmas tree, buy gifts for loved ones. This period is considered the best for a trip to Paris.
Reading, Music, and Film Holidays
The French love art, so they have a Reading Festival. In this country, it arose not very long ago. The first time it was held in 1989. The event was well received by society, so it began to be celebrated every year on October 16. This was established by the Ministry of Culture. A program is prepared for the event in 3 days, during which time:
- Fair books.
- Exhibitions and presentations of publications.
- Writing events.
- Seminars and conferences.
France is one country in the world where a celebration of literature is held. People present books to each other as a gift. It is also possible to transfer publications to libraries.
Holidays in France are colorful, but some are known throughout the world. This refers to the Cannes Film Festival, dedicated to such a beautiful art form as cinema. The celebration lasts 10 days. Many guests come to the resort city of Cannes, of which a lot of stars and fans. Cannes Festival is held with the participation of 10,000 professionals. The events of the celebration are covered by the media. The holiday period is spring.
Holidays in France are unusual. Music Day is celebrated on June 21. The event was added to the list of celebrations by French Minister Jacques Langro in 1982. At this time, music is heard everywhere: on the streets, in apartments. Residents can go to orchestral parades in which both popular artists and amateurs are involved. The event is celebrated until the morning, so wonderful tunes sound at night. Musicians play various pieces.
Young wine festival
The country is known worldwide for winemaking, so this drink is also given attention. The festival of young wine in France is celebrated on November 15. Its occurrence dates back to the middle of the 20th century. Another event has another name - the Beaujolais Festival in France. This is due to the province of the same name, where there is the growth of beautiful Game variety grapes. A drink is no worse than products made in other cities and countries, such as Bordeaux.
Wine festival in France is associated with the collection of a new crop. The event became popular not only among the French, but also among other nations. Compared to other types of wine, Beaujolais is not stored for long, but in November it has a wonderful taste and aroma.
Gastronomic events
French cuisine is known for sophistication. Many residents are considered gourmets, so gastronomic events are so popular in the country. The most famous include:
- Chestnut Festival - October 20. You can smell the roasted chestnuts in the streets as they are cooked in the air. Everyone can try this delicious dish. At the festival, this delicacy is the main one.
- Lemon Festival - February 17th. The venue is considered to be the city of Menton. Local residents and guests can take part in it. In the country, the climate is suitable for growing lemons. 130 tons of citrus are used to decorate the city. Oranges, lemons and grapefruits serve to create wonderful decorations.
Religious celebrations
The main religion in the country is Catholicism. Some locals go to churches. The main religious holidays include:
- Christmas is December 25th.
- Catholic Easter - falls on different dates from March 22 to April 25.
- Assumption of the Virgin Mary - August 15.
- All Saints Day - November 1.
At first, Christmas was based on the winter solstice, lasting 12 days. Now in France, the eve of celebration is St. Nicholas Day, and the holiday lasts until Epiphanius Day. The country respects its traditions and culture, so it is advisable for guests to attend mass events.
Although Easter is considered a Christian holiday, it is still celebrated by unbelievers. On holiday there is a tradition of giving gifts. For many people, the event is associated with the onset of spring. Easter rabbit symbolizes. According to legend, Estra - the goddess of spring - enchanted the bird, because of which the latter became a rabbit, but after the transformation she also laid eggs. A month before the holiday, chocolate figures appear in stores - rabbits, eggs, cockerels. When Easter arrives, adults hide chocolate eggs in the garden, and children must find and eat them.
Flower Holidays
What other holidays and traditions of France are known all over the world? They are flower celebrations. There are several notable events:
- Mimosa Day - February 10th. It is an omen of the end of winter. Flower parades are organized in San Rafael. The first time it was celebrated in the 1920s. The main symbol is mimosa. They also organize fairs, exhibitions, parades.
- Orchid Festival - February 18. These beautiful flowers create wonderful compositions.
- Lily of the Valley Day - May 1. It is customary to give bouquets of these fragrant flowers.
Tragedy events
At many significant events in France, a lot of people gather. A major event is Bastille Day. Even the New Year fades into the background. The events of 1789 became part of the Revolution, because of which the royal family was removed from power. During the assault, 7 prisoners were released.
In 2016, during the festivities associated with this memorable date, a terrorist attack occurred. A truck driven by a man was driving through a crowd of people. This went on until the police shot him. Due to such a terrible event, 80 people were killed and about 100 injured.
Carnivals and festivals
Residents of France love to take part in carnivals and festivals, of which there are a large number. The most popular events include:
- Festival of the film "Geod."
- In Monaco, a circus festival is held annually.
- Nice carnival (February 11th) when concerts are held, accompanied by fireworks.
The French are very fond of various carnivals and festivals. These events are fun. Both local residents and guests of the country can take part in them. If you visit such a holiday at least once, you will not be able to forget it.
Popular dates
There are also dates that once influenced a country's politics. Victory over Germany is celebrated on May 8. On this day, authorities honor veterans, lay flowers at the monuments. The holiday is also a weekend.
The capture of the Bastille is celebrated on July 14, when they organize a military parade. The event starts at 10 a.m. At the end of the celebration, people can watch the fireworks. The famous face of France, Jeanne d , Arc, is counted among the saints. She is considered the patroness of France and the military. Her day is celebrated on May 30th.
Valentine's Day
St. Valentine's Day is also a popular holiday. He is celebrated on February 14th. The French are considered the most romantic, so the lovers arrange each other's unforgettable holidays. It is customary to give valentines and other presents with which you can show tender feelings.
Almost all cafes and restaurants are busy on this day. Everywhere couples in love. This is the best time to offer. It is believed that it was the French who invented the tradition of writing greetings on Valentines.
Holidays in France are unusual. Moreover, there are both single celebrations, and those that take place locally, only in individual towns and villages. The French carefully and reverently treat absolutely every holiday, carefully preparing for it.
Undoubtedly, fun is very important for them. At the same time, delicious food and drinks are necessarily present at events. Locals spend more time relaxing these days. Gifts are always given that are quite exquisite among the French.
Thus, if you plan a trip to France, you need to know in advance about these holidays and the traditions of local residents. Be sure to be prepared for them. Each event in this country is interesting, therefore it will remain in memory forever.