Les Dates Importantes
This Christian holiday celebrating the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus is celebrated on January 6th
l'Épiphanie
On this holiday, French families gather to eat a special round, golden cake and crown the person who finds the hidden charm.
l'Épiphanie (la galette des rois)
These thin pancakes are eaten all day long on February 2nd in France.
les crêpes
This small charm hidden inside a special January cake makes you king or queen for the day.
la fève
How do you say 'Happy New Year' in French?
Bonne Année!
This date in July commemorates the French Revolution and the storming of a famous prison in 1789.
14 juillet (la Fête Nationale)
During this spring holiday, children hunt for chocolate eggs in their gardens
Pâques
These sweet fried pastries are eaten during Carnival season and Mardi Gras.
les beignets
These explosive colorful displays light up the French sky on July 14th
les feux d'artifices
How do you say 'Merry Christmas' in French?
Joyeux Noël!
This music celebration takes place on June 21st, which is also the first day of summer.
la Fête de la Musique (summer solstice)
During this autumn activity, students earn money helping to harvest grapes for wine production.
les vendages
These expensive shellfish and rich liver pâté are traditional foods eaten at the New Year's Eve celebration
les huîtres et le foie gras
These white or yellow flowers are traditionally given as gifts on May 1st for Labor Day
le muguet
This French expression means 'April Fools!' when you play a prank on someone
Poisson d'avril!
This Catholic holiday on November 1st honors all the Saints, and families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones
la Toussaint
This neighborhood celebration in May brings people together to eat and socialize right on the sidewalk
la Fête des Voisins
This golden, round cake shaped like the sun is shared during Epiphany and contains a hidden surprise
la galette des rois
These golden paper crowns are worn by whoever finds the special charm in their slice of cake
la couronne
What is the French word for 'fireworks'?
les feux d'artifices
This holiday period can last up to two weeks and features impressive parades with spectacular shows with dancers and acrobats in cities like Nice, Rio, Quebec, and Fort-de-France
Mardi Gras / Carnaval
This popular dance event on July 14th is organized by firefighters and features accordion music and folk dancing
Le bal des pompiers
During the French Christmas season, families visit these special outdoor markets that fill the streets with sparkling lights and the warm, spiced aroma of this traditional hot wine drink, while vendors sell holiday treats and handmade decorations.
les marchés de Noël et le vin chaud
These yellow flowers are placed on graves during All Saints' Day to honor deceased family members
les chrysanthèmes
What is the French term for the New Year's Eve celebration and party?
le Réveillon