Holidays in France - Holidays and Celebrations in Francophone Countries
Les fêtes et les festivaux
Learn about holidays and special events in France and other francophone countries.
By date | By name
January
New Year's
As in most countries, New Year's calls for a big celebration in France. Learn
about some French New Year's traditions, customs, and music.
- New Year's Resolutions
Take advantage of this annual fresh start to make a New Year's resolution (une bonne résolution de nouvel an) regarding your French learning.
February
Negritude - La Négritude
February is Black History Month
in the US. This is a good time to study La Négritude, a literary and ideological movement led by francophone black intellectuals, writers, and politicians. The founders of la Négritude,
originally from three different French colonies, each had different ideas about the purpose and styles of la Négritude.
Crêpe day / Chandeleur
In France, 2 February is la Chandeleur, Fête de la Lumière, or crêpe day. It's customary to eat
crêpes and do some fortune telling, and now there's a fun game for French classes too.
Mardi Gras Vocabulary
Mardi gras is an annual celebration in many francophone countries. It's called le mardi gras
(literally, "fat Tuesday") or le carnaval in French.
- Mardi Gras
Masks
Mardi Gras, which means "fat Tuesday" in French, is celebrated in many francophone regions. Mardi Gras masks are a traditional part of this annual celebration, and making them is a fun and very creative project. (Mardi Gras may be in February or March)
French Love Language
Valentine's Day (14 February) is a great time to learn French love language, including how to say I
love you in French.
- French Terms of Endearment
French has all kinds of interesting terms of endearment, including a rather odd assortment of barnyard animals. Check out this list of French terms of endearment to use with your loved ones (both romantic and familial).
March
National Foreign Language
Week: 3-9 March 2008
It's National Foreign Language Week! Don't keep putting off your dreams of
learning a new language; this is your chance to get
started with free lessons online at About.com. There are also articles on
everything from setting up a bilingual home to
figuring out if you are fluent.
International Day of Francophonie: 20 March
Join the celebration around the world.
April
May
June
National Holidays and Patriotism
In honor of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (24 June), the 4th of July (American
Independence Day), Bastille Day, and Canada Day (1 July), here is a list of French
vocabulary related to national holidays.
July
Bastille Day!
The French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which
took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Do
you know what this event represents? When the French observe this holiday in
mid-July, what ideals are they celebrating? Learn all about Bastille Day - in
French or English - and listen to the Marseillaise.
August
September
October
Halloween in France
What is Halloween? Where did it come from? Why and how is it celebrated in
France? If you've ever puzzled over these questions, take a look at this article
- the answers are here!
November
National French Week
Organized by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), National
French Week is a celebration of French language and francophone cultures. If you
are a French teacher, National French Week is the perfect opportunity
to organize in-class and/or extracurricular events for current or
potential students. Take a look at this page for some ideas with links to additional information.
French Thanksgiving Vocabulary
Thanksgiving is not celebrated in France, so here is some French vocabulary
related to the American holiday.
December
French Advent Calendar
Celebrate the Christmas and New Year's holiday season with this online French Advent calendar.
Each day has a different seasonal term, Christmas carol, game, and gift
idea.
Christmas in France
In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by
family reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight
Mass, and le Réveillon. The celebration of Christmas varies in France by region.
- Christmas Vocabulary
Whether writing a letter to Santa or just celebrating Christmas, this French Christmas vocabulary will come in handy. - French Christmas Carols ~ Chants de Noël
Spread some Christmas cheer à la française! Lyrics and translations for 30 French Christmas carols, including Douce Nuit, Les Anges dans nos campagnes, Vive le vent, Il est né le divin enfant, and Mon beau sapin. - 12 Days of French
Hopefully both useful and fun, "12 Days of French" is (rather loosely) based on the song "12 Days of Christmas" and includes practical gift suggestions for French lovers on any gift-giving occasion: Christmas, Chanukah, birthdays.... - Writing to Santa
In the run-up to Christmas, it can be difficult to keep students interested. Instead of fighting it, why not incorporate Christmas into the classroom? One fun and easy way to do this is to write a letter to Santa. - Christmas crossword puzzle
- Christmas vocabulary quiz
- Christmas word seek
Hanukkah Vocabulary
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of survival and freedom that lasts for eight
days. Learn some French vocabulary related to this annual Jewish
celebration.
Kwanzaa Vocabulary
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African identity and culture throughout
the world, particularly in the United States. Despite its proximity to
Christmas, Kwanzaa is a cultural rather than religious holiday.
New Year's Eve
As in most countries, New Year's calls for a big celebration in France. Learn
about some French New Year's traditions, customs, and songs.
Dates vary
Ramadan
Although Muslims practice Islam in various ways every day, the holy month of Ramadan is an
especially religious time. One of the pillars of Islam is fasting during Ramadan.
Learn more about Ramadan, both in general as well as specific to
Morocco.
Saints' Days
This page will tell you which saints' days are today - it's automatically
updated every day with accurate information.
Special Occasions
Learn how to say (and sing) happy birthday in French, and other French vocabulary for special
occasions.
Today in Francophone History
Learn about famous birthdays, holidays and celebrations, and other milestones.
French Vocabulary for
Special Occasions
Learn how to wish someone a merry Christmas or happy birthday in French.
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