Topics in French. Holidays, festivals and carnivals in France We provide a basic list of the main French holidays below

Subject: La fête nationale de la France (“14July is a national holiday in France")

Teacher: Maksutova Tatyana Alekseevna

Item: French

Class: 7

Lesson type: Combined

UMK : ON THE. Selivanova, A.Yu. Shashurina French language. Blue bird. 7-8 grade.

Target : to develop students’ ability to use new vocabulary on the topic “July 14th -national holiday of France"in speech situations.

Tasks :

To form productive lexical skills on the topic of the lesson;

Develop communication skills in reading, speaking, listening;

Develop motives for educational activities and form a personal meaning of learning;

- form an idea of ​​a cultural and historical event in France.

Forms of work : frontal, individual, pair and group work, self-control and mutual control.

Equipment : map of France, pictures and reproductions, multimedia equipment (video material, audio recording), handouts.

During the classes

Organizing time.

The teacher greets the students. Draws children's attention to the part of the board where there are pictures with the sights of Paris, with images of an ancient castle, scenes of battles, parades, folk festivals and fireworks.

Students greet the teacher. Based on the pictures, they formulate the topic of the lesson and the goal (to repeat vocabulary on the previously studied topic “Attractions of Paris” and learn to talk about the holidays of France).

Professeur: Bonmatin mes amis. Je suis râvie de vous voir. Asseyez -vous.Regardez le tableau. Qu'est-ce que vous voyez sur ces images? De quoi allons-nous parler aujourd'hui? Alors, quel est le thème de notre leçon?

Elèves: Aujourd'hui nous allons parler des monuments et des fêtes de la France.

Professeur: Vous avez raison. Aujourd'hui nous allons parlez de la fête nationale de la France et de son histoire.

Updating knowledge (repetition of what has been learned)

The teacher shows the children pictures depicting the sights of Paris and asks them to name them in French.

Children name landmarks in French.

Discovery of new knowledge

Familiarization with vocabulary on the topic of the lesson.

The teacher distributes cards and invites students to learn new words.

Professeur: Chaque pays a son histoire. L'histoire ce sont les événements, les traditions, la culture et bien sûr les fêtes. Chaque pays a sa fête nationale – c’est la plus grande fête du pays.Pour enrichir votre vocabulaire sur ce thème, faisons connaissance avec des mots nouveaux.

Liste des mots à retenir:

un événement – ​​event

le peuple - people

la liberté - freedom

la forteresse – fortress

la prison - prison

le pouvoir royal - royal power

changer - change

l’air endimanché – festive look

le défilé militaire – military parade

un orchestra - orchestra

le feu d’artifice – festive fireworks

celebrer – to celebrate

danser au bal – to dance at a ball

toute la nuit - all night

Que de monde! - How many people!

Primary consolidation

Game "Crossword": the teacher distributes cards, invites students to work in pairs: choose a translation and test themselves.

Students in pairs find translations of words and carry out mutual control.

Professeur: Pour mieux retenir le lexique jouons un peu. Voici un jeu: “ Mots croises.” Trouvez une bonne traduction. Faites cet exercise en paire et contrôlez-vous vous-mêmes.

Mots croises

1. people
2. jail
3. fortress
4. night
5. parade
6. event

Annex 1

Incorporating new knowledge into the knowledge system

1. Development of skills in listening to text.

The teacher invites students to familiarize themselves with the history of the French national holiday and monitors their understanding of the content of the text.

Students complete the exercise and perform self-control, then answer the teacher’s questions.

Professeur: Est-ce qu’il y a la fête nationale en France?

Ecoutez le texte et dites: De quel événement historique on parle dans ce sujet? La fête de quel pays est plus vieille (est plus jeune) de la Russie ou de la France? Faites attention aux mots nouveaux.Regardez l'écran. Contrôlez-vous vous-mêmes.

L'histoire de fête nationale en France

Un grand événement de l’histoire de la France – c’est la Révolution de 1789. Le 14 juillet 1789, le peuple français a pris, à Paris, la vieille forteresse de la Bastille: la prison qui était le symbole du pouvoir royal. La République a change la monarchie. La République Française est née. Pendant la Révolution le capitaine Rouger de Lisle a composé à Marseille l’hymne national. Puis on l'a appelé La Marseillaise. Le drapeau tricolore est ne avec cette fête. Maintenant, le 14 juillet – c’est la fête nationale française. C'est la fête de la liberté, de la démocratie, de la République.

Pour mieux comprendre le texte:

la Révolution - revolution

la Bastille - Bastille

la République – Republic

la Marseillaise - “Marseillaise”

la monarchie - monarchy

Professeur: Avez-vous bien compris le texte? Complétez les phrases: trouvez une bonne variante:

Professeur: Regardez l'écran et contrôlez-vous vous-mêmes. Vous avez bien compris le texte.

Appendix 2

II. Working with the text “Le 14 juillet”

The teacher offers to get acquainted with the celebration of the French National Day and answers questions based on the text.

Students read the text and answer questions.

Professeur: Deux cent ant ont passées. Aujourd'hui les Français célèbrent cette fête chaque année. Mais comment? Vous trouvez beaucoup d'informations dans ce texte. Lisez le texte vous-mêmes et répondez aux questions.

Le 14 juillet

Le 14 juillet est la grande fête nationale du peuple français. La ville de Paris met sa robe de fête tricolore. Sur les façades, sur les balcons, aux fenêtres on voit des drapeaux bleu, blanc, rouge.

Les Parisiens ont l'air endimanché ce jour-là. Tout le monde vont à la place de la Bastille. I begin le défilé militaire. Les orchestras jouent des marches militaires. Que de monde sur les balcons, aux fenêtres! Le soir commencent des bals dans les rues, dans toutes les villes de France. C'est une tradition de danser toute la nuit au bal du 14 juillet. A minuit on regarde le feu d’artifice.

Repondez aux questions:

1. Quand on célèbre la fête nationale en France?

2. Qu’est-ce qu’on voit sur les façades, sur les balcons, aux fenêtres ce jour-là?

3. Où commence le défilé militaire?

4. Quel air ont les Parisiens ce jour-là?

5. Quelle est la tradition de cette fête?

6. Qu’est-ce qu’on peut voir à minuit?

Note: Students who have difficulty are asked to complete this exercise with ready-made answers that need to be matched to the appropriate questions.

Appendix 3

The teacher invites students to speak out on the proposed speech situation: “Imagine that you have been to Paris. Your friend asks you to tell us about the celebration of the French national holiday.”

The teacher offers to draw up a plan for a story about a national holiday, divides students into groups and asks them to draw up a plan for the story.

Professeur: Mes amis, imaginez que vous êtes rentrés de Paris. Votre ami vous demande de parler d’une des monuments de Paris.Mais tout d'abord faites le plan du récit en groupes. Regardez l'écran et faites l'exercice suivant:

Rétablis l'ordre du schéma:

Le soir du 14 juillet.

La revolution française.

Le défilé militaire.

Paris met sa robe de fête.

Le drapeau tricolore et l'hymne national

La tradition de cette fête.

Appendix 4

Professeur: Vous avez appris tout de cette fête. Parlez de cette fête avec le schèma, avec le texte.

Reflection

The teacher asks students to express what they learned in the lesson and where they could apply this knowledge and skills.

Students express their opinions.

Professeur: Vous avez bien travaillé aujourd'hui. Qu'est-ce que vous avez appris de nouveau?

Summarizing. Homework.

The teacher sums up the lesson, gives and comments marks, thanks the students for their work, gives homework: prepare a story about the July 14 holiday in France, supplementing the story with a presentation or pictures.

Students write down their homework in a diary and say goodbye to the teacher.

Professeur: Je vous remercie pour votre travail. Ecrivez votre devoir:le récit de la fête nationale de la France. Au revoir.

Annex 1

Mots croises:

Appendix 2

1. Un grand événement de l’histoire de la France – c’est la Révolution de 1789.

2. Le peuple français a pris, à Paris, la Bastille.

3. L'hymne national s'appelle La Marseillaise.

4. Aujourd'hui la France c'est la République Française.

Appendix 3

1. La tradition de cette fête est de danser toute la nuit au bal du 14 juillet.
2. On voit des drapeaux bleu, blanc, rouge sur les façades, sur les balcons, aux fenêtres ce jour-là.
3. On peut regarder le feu d’artifice à minuit.
4. Le défilé militaire commencement sur la place de la Bastille.
5. On célèbre la fête nationale en France le 14 juillet.
6. Les Parisiens ont l'air endimanché ce jour-là.

Appendix 4

L'ordre du plan:

La revolution française.

Le drapeau tricolore et l'hymne national.

Aujourd'hui c'est la fête nationale.

Paris met sa robe de fête.

Les Parisiens ont l'air endimanché.

Le défilé militaire.

La tradition de cette fête.

Le soir du 14 juillet.

Les fêtes en France

En France, comme dans tous les pays, chaque région, chaque village a ses propres fêtes et traditions. Nous allons parler ici des fêtes nationales, qui sont partagées par la majorité des Français.

L'année française commence et finit par une grande fête. Le 31 décembre est le jour de la Saint-Sylvestre. C'est le dernier jour de l'année. Noël est une fête de famille, mais le 31 décembre on fait le reveillon: on sort, on va danser avec les amis, et on attend minuit pour s’embrasser et boire du champagne, pour fêter la nouvelle année qui commencement. Chaque ville organise un feu d'artifice. Le 1er janvier s’appelle aussi le Jour de l’An (premier jour de l’année). Ce n'est pas une fête religieuse comme au Japon: simplement, on ne travaille pas et on se repose après avoir beaucoup bu et dansé.

Le 14th February, c'est la Saint-Valentin. C'est la fête des amoureux, comme au Japon. Mais en France, par tradition ce sont les hommes qui offrent des fleurs aux femmes. La France est encore un pays un peu "macho"!

En février ou en mars (ça dépend des années), c'est le Mardi Gras. C'est une fête religieuse, mais c'est devenu surtout une fête à spectacles: dans beaucoup de villes du monde, on organise des défilés de Carnaval, avec des costumes, des masques et des danses. Le Carnaval de Rio est le plus célèbre du monde. En France, il y a un Carnaval suprebe à Nice. Pour le Mardi Gras, on mange beaucoup de crêpes. Les étudiants ont une semaine de vacances. On part souvent aux sports d'hiver, pour faire du ski ou des promenades.

Pâques est aussi une fête religieuse, qui rappelle la résurrection de Jésus Christ. Comme pour le Mardi Gras, il est difficile de savoir la date exacte de Pâques, mais c’est toujours un dimanche, en mars ou en avril. A l'époque de Pâques, on vend partout des æufs et des lapins en chocolat. Les vrais Catholiques vont à l'église, mais les autres se contentent de manger du chocolat! Pour pâques, les étudiants ont deux semaines de vacances.

Le 1er mai est la Fête du Travail. C'est un jour de vacances pour tous les Français. C'est une fête d'origine socialiste et syndicale. Ce jour-là, il y a beaucoup de défilés de travailleurs dans les rues, et on offre du muguet à tout le monde.

La Fête des Mères, c'est toujours le dernier dimanche du mois de mai. Les enfants préparent des petits cadeaux à l'école, et les papas achètent des cadeaux plus chers dans les magasins. Savez-vous qui a inventé cette fête? C'est Napoleon! Plus récemment, on aussi inventé la Fête des Pères, au mois de juin, où l’on fait des cadeaux aux papas, mais elle est un peu moins populaire que la Fête des Mères. En France, comme au Japon, la maman est toujours le center de la famille.

Le 8 mai rappelle la fin de la 2ème Guerre Mondiale et la victoire française contre les Allemands. On l'appelle donc la Fête de la Victoire.

Le 21 juin, c'est la Fête de la Musique. C'est une nouvelle fête qui existe depuis 1982, inventée par le Minister de la Culture socialiste Jack Lang. Comme le 21 juin est aussi le premier jour de l'été, il fait doux, et tout le monde sort dans les rues pour jouer d'un instrument, pour danser, ou simplement pour écouter les nombreux concerts dans la rue: jazz, classique , rock, pop ou rap, on entend toutes sortes de musique partout en France.

Pâques, le 1er mai ou Nöel sont des fêtes internationales, mais il y a une fête typiquement française, c'est bien sûr le 14 juillet, qui est la Fête Nationale. Ce jour-là, les bureaux et les écoles sont fermés, peu de gens travaillent, et chaque ville organise des bals dans les rues et dans les lieux publics. Il y aussi des défilés officiels, organisés par l’Etat ou la mairie, avec la participation de l’Armée. Le plus spectaculaire se déroule sur les Champs-Elysées, avec le Président de la République et les autres personnages politiques. Pourqoui cette fête? Pour commémorer la prize de la Bastille, début (symbolique) de la Révolution Française de 1789. Le 14 juillet 1989, bi-centenaire (=200 ans) de la Révolution, on a organisé des fêtes exceptionnelles.

Le 1er novembre, c’est la Toussaint (tous les saints). C'est une autre fête religieuse. Ce jour-là, les gens vont au cimetiàre pour apporter des fleurs sur la tombe des parents et amis qui sont morts, et pour prier. C'est une fête un peu triste.

Le 11 novembre, c'est l'anniversaire de la fin de la 1ère Guerre Mondiale. Le 8 mai et le 11 novembre sont des fêtes officielles. Ces deux jours sont importants surtout pour les anciens combattants, les hommes qui ont fait la guerre, justement. Dans chaque ville il y a des défilés officiels, comme pour le 14 juillet. Les écoles et les bureaux sont fermés, et il y a des drapeaux français partout dans les rues. En France, vous voyez, l'histoire est considérée comme très importante, et on a beaucoup d'occasions et de fêtes pour se souvenir du passé de la nation, des erreurs à ne pas refaire, et des gloires qui rendent fier d'être Français.

Noël est la fête religieuse la plus impotante. On croit que Jésus est né le 25 December. Le 24, les Français se réunissent en famille et font la fête tard dans la nuit. On échange beaucoup de cadeaux. Les enfants sont heureux, et les plus petits croient qu'un personnage imaginaire, le Père Noël, leur apporte des cadeaux, qu'ils découvrent le 25 au matin. La veille de Noël (le 24), on fait le réveillon, le grand repas de Noël. On y mange du foie gras, des huîtres, de la dinde et une bûche (le gâteau de Noël). La majorité des Français ne travaille pas le 24 et le 25, et les étudiants ont deux semaines de vacances. Les Catholiques vont à la messe de minuit le 24 decembre. A l'époque de Noël, les rues et les maisons sont décorées avec des sapins illuminés, et beaucoup de familles font une crèche, qui représente la naissance de Jésus. A Paris, les Champs-Elysées sont tout illuminés.

At all times, the French have been distinguished by their cheerful disposition and love of various kinds of celebrations. National holidays in France have a long history, based on events that happened to this country in the past. As a progressive country, France today celebrates not only ethnic celebrations, but also dates generally accepted throughout the world.

Night of Sylvester (1st date)

Santa Claus in France is partially replaced by Saint Sylvester. On the night from December 31 to January 1, the French go to bars and nightclubs where they party, eat and have a great time.

On New Year's Eve, it is customary here to wear pointed caps and throw streamers at neighbors.

The main entertainment of this holiday is the New Year's lottery. The prizes there may be a turkey or small souvenirs, but the lottery is always fun and noisy.

Blood sausages, roast goose and chestnuts are what always appear on the festive table in France.

Violet Festival (floating date)

The festival of stunningly beautiful violets is held annually in Toulouse. Its founders were companies that use these flowers in the production of tinctures, liqueurs, perfumes and sweets.

The holiday usually falls at the beginning of February. The first festival was held in the “pink city” in 2003.

Botanists and spectators from all over the world take part in the celebration. During the holiday there are fairs and attractions. Experts share their experience, and a violet competition is also organized.

Valentine's Day (14th)

Together with the entire planet, France celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14th. The French know the history of this holiday, and on this date they try to give love and care to their half to the maximum.

The celebration arose after the sad story of a priest who lived under the Roman Emperor Claudius II. Valentine secretly married the legionnaires and their chosen ones, and the authorities believed that families took up too much time and energy from the soldiers. As a result, the priest was executed, but this legend still lives in memory of his feat.

In France, lovers are generous with gifts and presents. On Valentine's Day, couples give each other jewelry, expensive things, and the ubiquitous valentines.

Cinematic Cesar Award (floating date)

The date of the holiday is chosen by the organizers of the film awards themselves, but it most often falls at the beginning of March.

The equivalent of the Oscar in France is awarded for outstanding achievements in cinematography. The award is named after a friend of the first president of the film academy, Cesar Baldaccini.

This outstanding sculptor designed and produced the first gilded figurines for the award. The prize is awarded at the Palace of Congresses. Usually, the event takes place on March 3, and becomes a real holiday for all film lovers.

National Grandmothers' Day in France (floating date)

Since 1987, on the first Sunday in March, the French have celebrated their grandmothers. On this holiday, all women who have crossed the age limit of 55 years are treated with increased attention. Concerts and events are held for them.

On this date, grandmothers must meet with their family and grandchildren, receive gifts and all sorts of honors from them..

Many stores offer discounts just for Grandmothers on National Grandmothers Day, restaurants offer special menus, and unions offer free tours.

Easter in French (floating date)

For Catholics, Easter immediately follows Lent. The French do not attach great religious significance to Easter, but celebrate it as a celebration of spring and joy.

The Easter bunny is included in the system of this holiday, since it was the goddess Estra who turned the chicken into him, but she continued to lay eggs even in the guise of a rabbit.

Parents hide Easter eggs from their children in the house and in the garden, they look for them, and when they find them, they start the family breakfast. Also on this day in France, relatives congratulate each other and give small gifts to loved ones.

Day of Freedom from Fascism (8th)

Another national holiday, which falls on May 8, is of great importance for the French. By tradition, May 8 becomes a public holiday.

The celebration begins at the eternal flame near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then parades and processions are held throughout the country. The date is celebrated in honor of the liberation of France from Nazi oppression.

Bastille Day (14th)

The national holiday was established back in 1880. During the French Revolution, the French destroyed the main prison in Paris, the Bastille, and freed many prisoners. It was a rebellion against royal power.

Today, the celebration program consists of official balls, fireworks and concerts. People no longer celebrate bloody events, they celebrate the advent of a new era in the history of France.

All Saints' Day (1st)

On this day, all French people who consider themselves Catholics go to churches for special services. Then they visit cemeteries, where they clean the graves of their deceased relatives and friends.

On such a date, in this state it is customary to pray and remember those who have gone to a better world. All Saints' Day is a day of remembrance, mourning and remembrance.

French Christmas (25th)

At Christmas in France, candles are lit, decorations are hung, and the tree is decorated. The French begin to prepare for the main holiday of the year in advance. So the first news of Christmas comes to this earth on December 6th. After St. Nicholas Day, when all the children receive gifts, there are parties and pre-holiday dinners all over the country for another month.

Christmas in French ends on January 6th, King's Day. So the period of New Year's celebrations stretches in French territories for a whole month. The French just love to have fun.

Every resident of France observes the cultural traditions of their own region and the country as a whole. No holiday is complete without fine cuisine and French wine. There are quite a lot of holidays in France that the French sacredly honor.

This holiday is like a rehearsal before Christmas. On this day, the French give gifts to family, friends and children. On the night of December 6, children hang their shoes and stockings by the fireplace, which in the morning turn out to be filled with sweets or gifts.

This is the most important holiday of the year for any French family. On this day, all streets and houses are decorated with garlands, flowers and mistletoe branches, and shops are closed. In the capital, the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the Place de la Concorde are especially transformed. In front of the city hall, as well as at a height of seventy-five meters on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, skating rinks are being filled. This day is an official holiday.

On the night of January 1, houses and streets are still festively decorated, with decorated Christmas trees in shops and on the streets. This day is an official holiday. The French gather on New Year's Eve at the table, at home or in a cafe, dressing in carnival costumes. Of course, no meal is complete without the best French wines, pies, pates, roulades, turkey and stuffed pig's head. This night the streets are very noisy, everyone is having fun in cafes and restaurants, putting funny caps on their heads, dancing, showering each other with handfuls of confetti and streamers. One of the unusual French New Year's traditions is the burning of a log doused with oil and cognac. It is believed that the coals from this log will bring good luck throughout the year. For the New Year in France, stores announce a grand sale.

This church celebration is associated with the life of Jesus Christ, to whom three wise men came and presented him with incense, myrrh and gold. On this day, gilded “royal biscuits” are baked - puff pastry pies into which a hard bean or a small figurine is baked. The pie is cut into several pieces according to the number of guests plus one more. This extra piece is called God's piece or the poor man's piece. Previously, it was given to the poor. The youngest of the children hides under the table and is asked: “Whose part is this?” The one who gets the slice with the filling is declared king.

International holiday. Lovers exchange valentines and souvenirs, arrange romantic dates, write tender quatrains to each other, men give flowers to their ladies.

First Sunday in March, National Grandmothers Day in France

On this day, all women over 55 years of age are given extraordinary honor and respect. The event is celebrated on the first Sunday of March so that relatives can take care of their grandmothers, visit them and give them nice gifts.

The Day of the Paris Commune is celebrated by the working people of the world in honor of the victory of the first proletarian revolution on March 18, 1871.

On April Fool's Day, the French make jokes on each other by preparing colorful fish from paper and hooks and attaching them to the clothes of the person they want to joke on.

Catholic Easter

The week before Easter is Holy Week. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday (celebrating Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem), includes Maundy Thursday (celebrating the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood by Christ) and Good Friday (celebrating the Passion of Christ and his death on the cross). It ends on Easter night, the night from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday (the resurrection of Christ). On Easter Day, masses and religious processions take place everywhere. The date of Easter falls on one of the Sundays, and the Monday following it is also considered a day off. Shops and almost all attractions are closed these days. Easter services are held in Notre Dame and other churches. Families gather around the festive table, and of course, no holiday is complete without chocolate bars. In France there is also a wonderful Easter Bunny who brings everyone numerous bars of chocolate.

On the first of May, bouquets of lilies of the valley are sold on all French streets - a symbol of happiness. They are given to each other as a sign of friendship and respect. This day is an official holiday.

In France, this day is declared a public holiday. Heads of state lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All surviving veterans come to the ceremony. The President shakes hands with each of them. On this day, programs about war and victory are broadcast.

Joan of Arc is the patroness of the military and France. In 1920, by an official decree of Pope Benedict XV, Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint, although people had worshiped her for centuries. A fragile but strong-willed 17-year-old girl glorified France and helped the country remain independent.

This day is an official holiday. A historical event took place on this day during the French Revolution - in 1789, rebel Parisians stormed the Bastille prison fortress - a symbol of royal despotism and freed seven prisoners. In France, in honor of this event, a whole series of balls, military parades and pyrotechnic performances are organized. In nightclubs and bars, on the streets and among families, the French gather together to celebrate this joyful event.

On October 31, the French dress up as witches and ghosts. Shops and confectionery shops sell symbolic souvenirs and sweets that look like skulls, bones and other holiday symbols. Until the morning, the French walk on the streets, in cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants.

Right after Halloween comes All Saints' Day itself. This is the day of remembrance of the dead. This day is an official holiday. Catholic churches hold festive masses and ring bells. Residents of France remember and visit the graves of deceased relatives, spend the day in prayer, and light candles. On this day, all state and municipal institutions, schools, kindergartens, libraries and city museums are closed.

This day is an official holiday. Rallies are held in every French village as a tribute to those killed in the First World War of 1918.

France is one of the most mysterious and romantic countries, which is why crowds of tourists flock here. Most girls would dream of spending their honeymoon here. Cozy streets, beautiful landscapes, French cuisine, ancient castles and the legendary Eiffel Tower - what could be more interesting? But to get maximum pleasure, you should come to France during the main national holidays and festivals.

Public holidays

The French honor their history, traditions and culture, so many solemn dates are dedicated to events that took place in their country: Bastille Day, Reconciliation Day (to mark the end of the First World War), Victory over fascism. Consider the official holidays in France:

• St. Sylvester's Day, or New Year. Traditionally celebrated from December 31 to January 1. Although this holiday is considered a family holiday, most French people prefer to celebrate it with close friends, gathering in some nightclub, club, restaurant or cafe. The New Year's table is decorated with the mistletoe plant, which, according to popular belief, brings good luck.

• Labor Day in France, as in Russia, is celebrated on May 1. The Lily of the Valley Festival is also celebrated on this date. It is customary to give bouquets of these flowers, as they are considered a symbol of happiness.
• Day of liberation from fascist occupation. Celebrated on May 8th. In France it is declared an official holiday. During the ceremony, wreaths are laid by government officials at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Surviving veterans gather to celebrate the solemn date. The president of the country shakes hands with each of them.
• The event that served as the beginning of the Great French Revolution was the capture of the Bastille prison fortress in 1789. This holiday has become national. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14th. Even the New Year cannot be compared with this date in terms of the scale of the celebration. A huge number of tourists come to France to take part in this celebration.

• All Saints' Day. Celebrated on November 1st. This is a religious holiday of believers of the Catholic Church. On this day, the French say prayers for deceased relatives in the church, after which they go to their burial place. At the cemetery, they place burning candles on the grave and restore order there.
• The most important holiday in France is Christmas. Since the majority of the country's inhabitants are Catholics, this date is celebrated on December 25th. The French thoroughly prepare for it: they decorate the premises, decorate the Christmas tree, and buy gifts. This time is the best time for a romantic trip to Paris.

Celebrations of reading, music and film

The French value art very much, so it is not surprising that they have a reading holiday. It appeared in France not so long ago. Reading Day was first held in 1989. The event was well received by the public, so it began to be held annually on October 16. The initiator of the celebration was the Ministry of Culture. The event includes a three-day program, which includes:

• book fairs;
• exhibitions and presentations of new publications;
• writers' evenings where fans can chat with book authors;
• seminars and scientific conferences.

France is the only country in the world that hosts such a massive literary festival. Naturally, books are gifts on this day. They are given to each other or donated to public libraries.

French holidays have a special flavor, but some of them can boast of worldwide fame. We will talk about which is dedicated to the art of cinema. The celebration lasts for 10 days. The resort city of Cannes receives many guests these days, including a huge number of cinema stars and an even larger number of fans who want to see their idols in person. About 10 thousand professional accredited specialists are involved in the competition. Events taking place at the festival are covered by more than 4,000 media workers. The time of the celebration is spring.

The holiday of music in France is considered to be June 21 - the summer solstice. Jacques Langro, a French minister, proposed the introduction of this cultural event in 1982. Since then, a vibrant celebration of Music Day has been held annually. It sounds from everywhere: on the streets, in houses and apartments, in musical institutions. Orchestral parades are held, in which both famous artists and amateurs take part. The celebration lasts until the morning, so even at night you can hear beautiful melodies. The musicians perform works of different genres - from classics to modern pop.

New Wine Festival

France is famous throughout the world for its winemaking, so it is not surprising that a separate holiday is dedicated to the drink. On the night of November 15, residents of the country celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau. The holiday in France originally appeared on a purely commercial basis in the mid-20th century. The young wine produced in the province of Beaujolais from the Gamay variety was inferior in quality to the products produced in Bordeaux and Burgundy. The cunning demonstrated helped the Beaujolais Nouveau producers get out of such a difficult situation. Winemakers founded the holiday, which is celebrated in November. It is dedicated to the celebration of the new wine harvest. The invented marketing ploy was very successful; since then, Winemaker’s Day has been celebrated not only by the French, but also by other peoples and countries.

Unlike Burgundy and Bordeaux wine, young Beaujolais cannot be stored for a long time, but it is during this period that it has the most wonderful aroma and rich taste.

Gastronomic festivals

French cuisine is famous for its sophistication and sophistication, and the inhabitants of the country are sophisticated gourmets, so it is not surprising that there are various gastronomic holidays in France. The most popular of them:

• Chestnut Festival. It is celebrated in October - the 20th. The aroma of roasted chestnuts spreads throughout all areas of the city and attracts everyone to try this delicacy. The food is prepared right on the street. On this day, this dish is considered the most important.
• Lemon Festival - held every year in the town of Mentone. Hundreds of thousands of guests and tourists take part in the celebration. Thanks to the climatic conditions, excellent lemon fruits are grown in these places. To decorate the city for the holiday, about 130 tons of various citruses will be needed. Oranges, lemons and grapefruits are used to create fancy decorations in the form of fairy-tale characters, castles and trees. The festival takes place on February 17.

Religious holidays

Catholicism is considered the main one. Many French people visit churches, especially when major Christian dates are celebrated. The main religious holidays in France are:

• Christmas Day - December 25th.
• Catholic Easter - celebrated in the spring, usually falls from March 22 to April 25.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary - August 15.
• All Saints' Day is November 1st.

Initially, it was based on the winter solstice period, which lasted 12 days. In modern France, the eve of the holiday is considered St. Nicholas Day (12/6), and the celebration lasts until the day of Epiphany (01/6), the second name is the Feast of the Kings. In France, national traditions and culture are respected, so tourists will be interested in attending mass events dedicated to special occasions.

Although Easter is a purely Christian holiday, it is celebrated even by non-believers. On this day it is customary to give gifts to loved ones and acquaintances. For most French people, this holiday is associated with the arrival of spring and good mood. The rabbit is considered the symbol of Easter in many European countries. According to pagan legend, Estra - the goddess of spring - bewitched a bird, and it turned into a rabbit, but even after the transformation it laid eggs. A month before the celebration, French stores are filled with chocolate figurines in the form of rabbits, eggs and cockerels. Early in the morning, when Easter comes, adults hide chocolate eggs in the garden, and children look for them, collect them in a basket and eat this delicacy for breakfast.

Flower holidays

France is permeated with romanticism, and flowers are known to be a symbol of love. More than one holiday in the country is dedicated to these plants:

• Mimosa day. Celebrated on February 10th. It symbolizes the end of the cold period - winter. The flower parade takes place in the city of San Rafael, and every year the holiday becomes more widespread. It was first celebrated in the early 20s of the twentieth century. The procession includes carts decorated with the symbol of the holiday - mimosa. On this day, various events are held: a parade, the Miss Mimosa competition, a fair, and exhibitions.

• Flower festivals in France are held on a special scale, for example, the Orchid Festival takes place in Tarascon on February 18. It presents a huge variety of flower colors and shapes. Orchids are used to create compositions in combination with waterfalls and fountains. The celebration is simply irresistible thanks to the lighting effects.
• Lily of the Valley Day is celebrated on May 1st. On this holiday, it is customary to give bouquets of these delicate flowers to each other.

A holiday marred by tragedy

French holidays attract a huge number of tourists and local residents. One of the largest events is Bastille Day, which is celebrated on July 14th. Even the New Year celebration is incomparable to what happens in France on this day. The events that took place in 1789 formed the basis for the outbreak of the Revolution and led to the removal of the royal family from power. During the storming of the Bastille by the rebel Parisians, 7 prisoners were freed.

In 2016, in the midst of public festivities dedicated to the solemn date, a terrorist attack occurred on the Nice embankment. A terrible misfortune happened in France during a holiday: a truck driven by a middle-aged man drove into a crowd of vacationers. He continued driving until he was shot and killed by police. During the terrorist attack, 80 people were killed and about 100 were injured to varying degrees.

Famous carnivals and festivals of France

The French love to take part in various carnivals and festivals, and, as you know, there are a lot of them. Here is a list of the most popular celebrations:

• In the second half of January, the Geode film festival, based on Omnimax technology, is held annually in Paris.
• The Principality of Monaco hosts a circus festival every year in mid-January. The program features famous circus troupes competing for the Golden Clown award. The celebration lasts for a week.
• The Nice Carnival is one of the oldest in the country. It originated back in 1294. The carnival is held. The procession consists of 20 platforms decorated with fresh flowers, on which sit women and men in luxurious attire. The holiday is accompanied by concerts and fireworks.

Significant dates in the history of France

There are dates in the history of France that had a significant impact on the political situation in the country. The French celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany on May 8. On this day, the country's officials honor the participants in the hostilities and lay wreaths. The holiday has been declared a public holiday.

The storming of the Bastille is celebrated on July 14th. On this day, a military parade is held on the Champs Elysees. The ceremony starts at 10 am. The movement is carried out from the Place de l'Etoile to the Louvre, where the military is greeted by the head of state. At the end of the celebration, a large fireworks display lights up the sky.

The legendary heroine of France, Joan of Arc, was elevated to sainthood in 1920, according to the decree of Pope Benedict XV. She is the patroness of the country and the military. Saint's Day is celebrated on May 30th.

St. Valentine's Day

When listing the holidays of France, we should not forget Valentine’s Day. It falls in mid-February - the 14th. The French have a special charm and know how to make unforgettable declarations of love. On this day, lovers exchange valentines and other gifts symbolizing tender feelings. Cafes and restaurants are crowded on this day. Couples in love sit at tables holding hands. This day is the best to propose to your fiancée. Interesting fact: it was the French who came up with the idea of ​​writing love quatrains and congratulations on valentines.