French Holidays - 2009
Holidays, called fêtes or jours fériés are very important to the French and there are 11 national holidays and several religious and traditional celebrations held annually. With limited métro and bus service available, banks, post offices, as well as most offices, stores and some museums are closed on national holidays. It’s a good idea to call museums or restaurants in advance to make sure they will be open.
If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the French often take Monday or Friday as well to enjoy an extended four-day weekend called faire le pont (making a bridge). Because the French tend to travel over the holiday weekends, traffic can be heavy and frequently delayed.
Working French citizens are entitled to 5 weeks of vacation annually. August is traditionally vacation month for Parisians and many businesses are closed.
Thursday, January 1 |
Jour de l’an |
New Year’s Day |
| New Year’s Eve and Day are generally celebrated with friends. |
| Sunday, January 4 |
Epiphanie:Fête des Rois |
Epiphany: Feast of the Kings |
| Commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. The tradition is to serve a special cake called une galette des rois which contains une fève (usually a porcelain figurine). The person who finds the hidden fève in their serving is named king or queen for the day and wears the paper crown sold with the galette. |
| Monday, February 2 |
La Chandeleur |
Candlemas or Lady Day |
This day is a traditional festival with religious origins. It is the tradition to eat crèpes on this day. |
| Saturday, February14 |
La Saint Valentin |
Valentine’s Day |
This is the day for lovers and cards, flowers or small presents are shared with a special person. |
| Wednesday, April 1 |
Poisson d’Avril |
April Fool’s Day |
| Practical jokes mark this day and Poisson d’avril is the expression shared following a successful tease. One explanation for this day is April 1 marks the opening day of fishing season, which was considered somewhat of a joke as few fish were to be caught so early in the season. Like fishermen who attempted to catch the elusive fish, now one tries to catch friends in a joke. Another thought is the term poisson was a corruption of the word “passion” referring to the Easter season. |
| Sunday, April 12 |
Pâques |
Easter Sunday |
The Christian holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. A special dinner is served (the traditional entrée is lamb) and chocolate is customarily given. |
| Monday, April 13 |
Le lundi de Pâques |
Easter Monday |
The day following Easter is a public holiday in France. |
| Friday, May 1 |
Fête du Travail |
Labor Day and May Day |
| This national holiday designated as International Labor Day also includes a custom to present un brin de muguet (stem of lilies of the valley) to loved ones to bring them good luck and happiness (porter du bonheur). |
Thursday, May 21 |
Jour de l'Ascension |
Ascension Thursday |
| Held 40 days after Easter to commemorate Christ’s ascension to heaven. |
| Friday, May 8 |
Jour de la Victoire1945
|
WWII Victory Day 1945 |
| Celebrates the end of World War II in Europe. |
| Sunday, May 31 |
Pentecôte |
Pentecost Sunday |
Held 50 days after Easter in memory of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. |
| Monday, June 1 |
Lundi de Pentecôte |
Whit Monday |
| Beginning in 2005, the French Parliament voted to remove this holiday from the official list of public holidays. However, as a response to widespread opposition to the change, some employers retained this as a holiday for staff. As a compromise, the government designated June 5 as a national school holiday. |
| Sunday, June 7 |
Fête des Mêres |
Mother's Day |
| The day to celebrate one's mother. |
| Sunday, June 21 |
Fête des Pères |
Father’s Day |
The day to celebrate one’s father. |
| Sunday, June 21 |
Fête de la Musique |
Music Festival |
| A celebration of the longest day of the year (first day of summer). Musicians of all sorts, both professional and amateur, line the streets of Paris and entertain enthusiastic crowds until near dawn. |
| Tuesday, July 14 |
Fête Nationale |
Bastille Day |
| A national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution in 1789. An impressive military parade down the Champs Elysées and firework displays highlight this holiday. Street dances or Bals des Pompiers are hosted at fire stations by local firemen. |
| Saturday, August 15 |
L’Assomption |
Assumption of Virgin Mary |
| Honors the assumption of the Blessed Mother Mary into heaven. |
| Sunday, November 1 |
La Toussaint |
All Saint’s Day |
| Honors all saints and a day to remember the souls of the dead. A French tradition is to place chrysanthemums on the graves of departed relatives. |
| Wednesday, November 11 |
Jour l’Armistice |
Armistice Day (1918) |
| Celebrates the end of World War I in Europe. |
| Thursday, November 19 |
Beaujolais Nouveau |
Festival of new wine |
| The new harvest of Beaujolais wine is tasted. |
| Friday, December 25 |
Noël |
Christmas Day |
| A Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Christ. This holiday begins the evening before with the réveillon de Noel (Christmas Eve) meal and a visit by le Père Noel (Santa Claus) during the night who leaves presents under the Christmas tree. |
| Thursday, December 31 |
La Nuit de la Saint Sylvestre |
New Year’s Eve |
| The feast day of Saint Sylvestre includes a festive celebration spent with friends at home or in a favorite restaurant. A kiss under the mistletoe is shared at the stroke of midnight. |
|
