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Wednesday, 04 January 2006 |
New Year in France New Year is one of the oldest and most observed celebrations in countries all over the world. France is no exception and, after the Christmas festivities, this is another excuse for them to do what they like best: get together with family to eat and drink.
Until the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, the French New Year was held between the end of March and the beginning of April, with the arrival of Spring, but since 1582, they have adopted the reformed calendar and now celebrate New Year on 1st January, like most Westerners. Fake gifts or cards depicting fish are still given on April 1st and practical jokes are made as a reminder that this is not the true New Year anymore. This is called Poisson d'Avril or April Fool.
New Year's Eve is a great opportunity for families and friends to dine together once again at Le Réveillon or Fête de Saint-Sylvestre. At midnight streets fill with everyone moving outside to continue the celebration.
In the Midi Pyrenees, the local tradition is to attend evening mass and then follow a procession to the vineyards and pick grapes at midnight.
In Paris, visitors and residents alike cannot miss the annual 2-day festival Celebrate France, in which thousands of performers from all over the world take part. The parade marches through Chantilly on the 31st December and then on the 1st January the gala moves to the Trocadéro, under the Eiffel Tower.
Jour des Étrennes, as New Year is called in France is a day for exchanging gifts and cards. Many of the traditionalists still prefer to give presents and cards on this day instead of at Christmas.
Wherever you are Have a Very Happy New Year!
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 September 2006 )
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