13 Holidays in French: Traditions You’re Going To Want to Learn More About

One quick way to gain some appreciation of the rich customs and traditions of the French is to study (and attend) a few French holiday celebrations. 

In general, a holiday – as in a special public day of celebration – is referred to as la fête. While different regions in France might have a few different traditions and special “la fête” days, the most commonly celebrated holidays in French are known as public holidays.

Public holidays, also sometimes referred to as national holidays, are special days of celebration that are recognized all over France and are also often celebrated in French-speaking areas as well. When a public holiday rolls around, many businesses and schools close down to allow people to attend celebrations. Take note of these days as you yourself might want to be part of the celebrations!

1. Le Jour de l’An

Translation: New Year’s Day

When is it celebrated? January 1

Is it a public holiday? Yes

Special greeting: Bonne année!

This holiday actually starts on the night before January 1, or “Réveillon du Nouvel An”. Otherwise known as New Year’s Eve this evening is spend in celebratory gatherings. Some people choose to be with friends and family, while others attend public celebrations or parties. Food and drink are served in abundance and a countdown leading to midnight marks the celebrations. 

On New Year’s Day itself, most French people wake up a little late and begin the process of cleaning up. It’s considered important to clean up to usher in a good start to the year. Many people also take the time to visit or call friends and family who they didn’t get to see on the last night.  

2. Épiphanie

Translation: Epiphany

When is it celebrated? Movable, first Sunday of January.  

This is a religious holiday commemorated in January. It celebrated the visit of the Magi or Three Kings to the newly born Christ Child. 

This day is celebrated with a traditional French cake called “Galette des Rois”, made of layers of puff pastry with almond cream in between. There are different variations, depending on where in France you are. In the north of France, sometimes the filling is jam, marzipan, or chocolate. 

Aside from being a tasty treat, this cake is special because there are lucky charms baked within. The one who finds the charm becomes a “king” or “queen” for the day. 

If you are in Provence or the South of France, you might instead find the “Brioche des Rois” this is a brioche with a “crown” of candied fruits. 

3. Vendredi Saint

Translation: Good Friday

When is it celebrated? Moveable depends on the church calendar

Is it a public holiday? Only in certain businesses, mostly in Alsace and Moselle

Good Friday is both a religious holiday, though it is not always considered a public holiday. As a religious holiday, the date depends on the church calendar, though it usually falls around March or April. It is the Friday before Easter Sunday.

Good Friday is considered an important holiday for Christians, especially Catholics, so certain companies or businesses may indeed close for this holiday or only operate for a half day.

Good Friday is the day that Christ died on the cross, so it is technically a day of mourning. There are no masses held during Good Friday and it’s often a day of fasting or abstinence (no consumption of meat). 

4. Dimanche de Pâques

Translation: Easter Sunday

When is it celebrated? Moveable, first Sunday after Good Friday

Is it a public holiday? Yes

Special greeting? Joyeuses Pâques!

After Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, the day that Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. 

As a joyous celebration of tradition and culture, Easter is a very colorful and lively holiday around France. Colorful and cheerful Easter decorations are found both in public and private areas. 

One particularly fun place to spend Easter in France is in Alsace. The residents traditionally decorate their homes in Easter colors and there are often Easter markets in the various towns. The most famous of these markets is the one found in Colmar. 

5. Lundi de Pâques

Translation: Easter Monday

Is it a public holiday? Yes

When is it celebrated? Movable, first Monday after Easter Sunday

Special greeting? Joyeuses Pâques!

Since the Monday after Easter Sunday is also a public holiday in France, it serves as a nice “break” for families. Many take this time to travel outside of their hometowns to have a family day.

In the south of France, it’s a common tradition to have a special picnic with family and friends for lunch. A large omelet, known as the “pâquette” or Easter omelet is prepared and served as the main course. Good food is an important component of almost any French gathering, which is why they have many idioms about food.  

6. Fête du Travail

Translation: Labor Day

When is it celebrated? May 1

Is it a public holiday? Yes

As a major public holiday in France, most businesses are closed on this day. Even transportation services may be limited. There are often many marches and demonstrations organized by trade unions during this day. 

The small fragrant white flower known as the “muguet” or Lily of the Valley is also celebrated on May 1. The flowers usually start to bloom at the beginning of May and are considered a symbol of both springtime and good luck. It’s something of a custom now to give small bunches of these flowers to important people in your life. 

7. Victoire 1945/Fête de la Victoire

Translation: Victory in Europe Day

When is it celebrated? May 8

Is it a public holiday? Yes

This is a public holiday that celebrates the end of hostilities in Europe after World War II. There are often many colorful parades and events to commemorate both the soldiers who lost their lives on this day as well as the victims of the Holocaust.

In Paris, this holiday in France is celebrated by the current President of the Republic laying a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. A military parade then takes place down the Champs Elysees. 

8. l’Ascension

Translation: Ascension Day

When is it celebrated? Movable holiday, 39 days after Easter Sunday

Is it a public holiday? Yes

This is another religious holiday that is also a public holiday in France. This commemorates the ascension of Christ into heaven. 

9. La Fête Nationale

Translation: Bastille Day

When is it celebrated? July 14

Is it a public holiday? Yes

Special Greeting: Bonne Fête Nationale!

The French National Day, this holiday commemorates the Storming of the Bastille which took place on this day in 1789. This was considered a major event of the French Revolution. 

One of the oldest military parades in the world occurs in Paris during Bastille Day. The parade goes from the Champs Elysees and ends at the Palace de la Concorde. 

One thing you might want to check and take advantage of is the fact that many museums offer free entry on Bastille Day. There are also many free fireworks displays that you can enjoy. 

10. Assomption

Translation: Assumption of Mary

When is it celebrated? August 15

Is it a public holiday? Yes

This religious holiday celebrates the assumption into Heaven of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ. 

French Catholics usually gather as a family to attend mass and share a meal. Even if they are not practicing Catholics, many French people still use this holiday to gather as a family. There may also be processions and parades organized by the local churches or religious organizations so, check them out. 

11. La Toussaint

Translation: All Saints’ Day

When is it celebrated? November 1

Is it a public holiday? Yes

This is another of those holidays in France that are both religious celebrations and public holidays. This is a day that Catholics put aside to honor the saints.

Traditionally, French people of all denominations take advantage of this holiday to come together to honor their dead. Many families will gather at graveyards to clean and decorate the tombs of their departed loved ones. 

In France, Chrysanthemums are considered flowers that express grief and bereavement. Best remember this and avoid giving these flowers unless it’s All Saints’ Day. Many florists will have displays featuring chrysanthemums for people to lay on their loved one’s graves.

12. Armistice de 1918

Translation: Armistice Day

When is it celebrated? November 11

Is it a public holiday? Yes

This is another of those holidays in French that celebrates an important historical event. In this case, it commemorates the End of World War I. 

13. Noël

Translation: Christmas Day

When is it celebrated? December 25

Is it a public holiday? Yes

Special greeting: Joyeux Noël!

One of the most enchanting and wonderful days in any French speaker’s calendar is the festive season of Christmas, which cumulates on Christmas Day. 

Starting from the end of November, Christmas illuminations and light displays, as well as markets and fairs, start to sprout throughout the regions. On the evening before Christmas Day or Christmas meal, French people sit down to a big meal with their family. If they are religious, they will then go to Midnight Mass. 

Before they go to sleep, French children may put out their shoes in front of the fireplace for Père Noël or “Santa Claus”. Christmas Day is when kids open their presents and the adults exchange gifts and greetings. A big family meal is then enjoyed by all, this could be then followed with a stroll to a Christmas market.

Conclusion

There are two very important reasons you need to learn about holidays in French. First of all, it’s important to know about special days such as holidays to plan your travels properly. For example, if you are traveling outside of Paris, you might want to know if there are any special celebrations you might want to attend to make the most of your trip.

Even if you’re going to stay in Paris or another big city, it’s important to know about public holidays as it allows you to plan your activities well. Since everything from banks to museums is often closed during holidays in France, you’re going to want to consider that when creating your itinerary.

The second reason it’s important to learn about holidays in French is that they give you an interesting glimpse into French culture. Learning about the cultures and traditions of an area is a good way to keep you interested and inspired to learn the language to communicate better.

Book a session with a French native speaking online tutor and make sure to tell them you are interested in learning about holidays in French. Their sure to have some interesting stories about the holiday traditions they grew up with!