Customs and Festivals (AQA) - French

"Le Nouvel An (New Year’s Day)"

"January 1st"

"Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre"

"Traditional New Year's Eve meal consisting of oysters, foie gras, and seafood, celebrated with a feast."

"New Year’s Eve Food"

"Oysters, foie gras, seafood"

"New Year’s Eve Celebration"

"Fireworks displays in major French cities"

"Meilleurs Voeux"

"Traditional French New Year's greeting, wishing well-being, joy, and wealth."

"La Fête de la Musique"

"Festival celebrated on June 21st featuring public music performances."

"Public Music Performances"

"Musicians perform in public areas, including parks and streets, during La Fête de la Musique."

"Free Concerts"

"Many performances during La Fête de la Musique are free of charge."

"Bastille Day"

"Celebrated on July 14th with military parades and fireworks."

"Military Parades on Bastille Day"

"Parade featuring French military might and patriotism on the Champs-Élysées in Paris."

"Historical Significance of Bastille Day"

"Commemorates the fall of the Bastille and the French Revolution."

"La Fête des Lumières"

"Festival on December 8th in Lyon featuring light shows and installations."

"Light Shows"

"Extensive light installations and projections adorn buildings and streets during La Fête des Lumières."

"Candles in Windows"

"Tradition of lighting candles in windows to honor the Virgin Mary during La Fête des Lumières."

"Le Carnaval"

"Festival with vibrant parades and floats, celebrated on various dates before Lent."

"Traditional Carnival Treats"

"Pastries, pancakes, and doughnuts enjoyed during Carnival."

"Nice Carnival"

"Known for elaborate parades and flower wars featuring floats draped in flowers."

"Dunkirk Carnival"

"Features unique traditions such as tossing herring into the crowd."

"La Saint-Valentin (Valentine’s Day)"

"Celebrated on February 14th with gifts and romantic gestures."

"Valentine’s Day Gifts"

"Chocolates, jewellery, and flowers exchanged between couples."

"Romantic Dinners"

"Special dinners at home or in restaurants are common on Valentine’s Day."

"Les Fêtes de Noël (Christmas Celebrations)"

"Christmas celebrations on December 25th featuring the Réveillon feast."

"Réveillon Feast"

"Christmas Eve meal with traditional foods like seafood, roasted meats, and bûche de Noël."

"Marchés de Noël"

Christmas markets known for seasonal goods and decorations, popular in cities like Paris and Strasbourg."

"Strasbourg Christmas Markets"

"Famous for its Christmas markets offering a range of seasonal goods and festive atmosphere."

"La Fête de la Musique"

"Festival turning public spaces into stages for music performances on June 21st."

"Bastille Day Celebrations"

"Features fireworks displays and military parades on July 14th."

"La Fête des Lumières Candles"

"Lighting candles in windows to honor the Virgin Mary and participate in the festival’s spirit."

"Nice Carnival Features"

"Elaborate parades and flower wars with floats draped in flowers."

"Dunkirk Carnival Traditions"

"Unique customs such as tossing herring into the crowd during the festival."

"Fête de la Saint-Jean"

"Celebrated in Provence on June 23rd with large bonfires, local festivities, and festive foods like grilled meats, symbolizing the arrival of summer and driving out evil spirits."

"Large Bonfires"

"Symbolic of the summer solstice, with historical roots in pagan celebrations, and lit in both private yards and public areas during Fête de la Saint-Jean."

"Fête de la Saint-Nicolas"

"Held in Alsace on December 6th featuring parades with Saint Nicholas and Père Fouettard, sweets, gifts, and Christmas market stalls."

"Saint Nicholas Parades"

"Joyful processions showcasing Saint Nicholas with traditional bishop's clothing and aides like Père Fouettard, celebrated during Fête de la Saint-Nicolas."

"Fête de la Chandeleur"

"Observed nationwide, especially in Brittany, on February 2nd, focusing on making crêpes to symbolize prosperity and good luck for the year ahead."

"Crêpes Tradition"

"Making and eating crêpes during Fête de la Chandeleur, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the coming year."

"Festival de Cannes"

"An international film festival held in Cannes, Côte d'Azur in May, known for film screenings, red carpet events, and awarding the Palme d'Or for Best Film."

"Film Screenings at Cannes"

"Features premieres of international films with a focus on artistic and cinematic quality during the Festival de Cannes."

"Fête du Citron"

"Takes place in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes in February, celebrated with parades of citrus fruit sculptures, lemon-based foods, and art displays."

"Citrus Fruit Sculptures"

"Ornate floats and sculptures made from citrus fruits, particularly lemons, featured during the Fête du Citron."

"Community and Social Cohesion"

"Festivals help develop a sense of shared identity and unity among community members by celebrating shared customs and historical events."

"Bastille Day Impact"

"Fosters a sense of patriotism and unity among French people, in addition to commemorating a significant historical occasion."

"Social Communication at Festivals"

"Festivals provide a unique environment for interpersonal communication and cooperation, strengthening local networks and relationships."

"Nice Carnival"

"A festival known for its vibrant parades and floats, fostering social connections and community spirit through group festivities."

"Preservation of Culture through Festivals"

"Festivals act as living museums, preserving and advancing cultural customs, rituals, and activities for future generations."

"Fête de la Saint-Jean Preservation"

"Maintains cultural practices and folklore through reenactments, showcasing long-standing traditions and seasonal cycles."