Traditions and Celebrations

Traditions and Celebrations:

Bastille Day: Bastille Day is a French Holiday that celebrates the storming of the Bastille. The storming of the Bastille took place on the 14th of July 1789 and started the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and by doing this they were uprising against the constitutional monarchy that France was at the time. This eventually turned France into the first Republic during the French Revolution. This day is considered the French National Day and is celebrated every year as festivities and ceremonies are held all over France.

Poisson D'avril: Poisson D'avril or April Fools day is believed to originate from France. The story says that back in 1564 they had recently reformed the calender in France but as there was no internet or trains at the time, information didn't travel fast as there was no real way to spread it. So the people who did know about the change would pull tricks on the people who didn't between the 25th of March to the 1st of April. This is believed to be where they got the tradition from. Poisson D'avril is still carried out in current day France. To fool someone on the day you have to stick a paper fish on their back without them noticing, when they find out they have been tricked they are called a Poisson D'avril or as it is translated an April fish.

Nice Carnival: The Nice Carnival is a big annual carnival held in the city of Nice. The Nice Carnival is pretty much the leading celebration to Mardi Gras as it is held two weeks before and gets people very excited and in the mood for Mardi Gras. Approximately 1.2 million people come to see the colourful celebrations, elegant flower parades, swanky soirees, rock concerts, techno shows, floats and of course no celebrations complete without fireworks.

Cannes Film Festival: See Cannes page

Christmas In France: Christmas is celebrated in many countries, however each country choose to celebrate a little differently, having their own traditions, France is one of those countries. Children in France put their shoes in front of the fireplace and if they are good their version of Santa,  "Papa Noel" will come and fill them with presents. However if you live in some regions of France you should be worried because they believe if you've been naughty a man named "Pere Fouettard" will come and give you a spanking. (sort of like how our Santa gives you coal if you are bad). Everyone hangs decorations on their Chrsitams trees, but in France they also hang lollies, nuts, fruits and little toys on Christmas Eve. My favourite French tradition for Christmas in France started in 1962 when they made the law that says all letters to Santa will get responded to with a postcard.