| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Mar 26,2023 | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Local holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Observance |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day / May Day | National holiday |
| Monday | May 08,2023 | WWII Victory Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | Observance |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Whit Monday | National holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 04,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Jun 18,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Friday | Jul 14,2023 | Bastille Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary | National holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 29,2023 | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Nov 11,2023 | Armistice Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | St Stephen's Day | Local holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, known as "Jour de l'An," is celebrated on January 1st in France with great enthusiasm and cultural significance. It marks the beginning of the new year, and French people engage in festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks to welcome the fresh start. It's a time for reflection on the past and setting resolutions for the future. New Year's Day fosters a sense of unity and hope among the French, making it a culturally important occasion.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) starts in France, known as "Heure d'été," typically on the last Sunday in March. While not a traditional holiday, it is culturally relevant as it symbolizes the transition to longer daylight hours and the arrival of spring. French people adjust their clocks forward, embracing the change in time to make the most of the extended daylight during the warmer months. It's a practical adjustment that aligns with the changing seasons and lifestyle.
Good Friday, known as "Vendredi Saint," is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In France, it is a day of solemnity and reflection, with church services and processions. Good Friday holds cultural importance as it deepens the connection of French Christians to their faith and the events of Holy Week. It's a time for spiritual contemplation and reverence.
Easter Sunday, or "Pâques," is a significant Christian holiday celebrated with religious devotion and cultural traditions. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services, feasting, and the exchange of Easter eggs and chocolates. Easter Sunday brings families together to celebrate their faith and enjoy cultural dishes like lamb and "pâté de Pâques" (Easter pie). It is a cherished and culturally relevant holiday in France, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual connection among the French people.
Easter Monday, known as "Lundi de Pâques," is a continuation of Easter celebrations in France. It is a public holiday that allows people to extend their time with family and friends. Many French people use this day to relax, go on picnics, or engage in recreational activities. Easter Monday is a culturally significant part of the Easter festivities, emphasizing the value of quality time with loved ones and the enjoyment of the spring season.
Labor Day, known as "Fête du Travail" or "1er Mai" in France, is celebrated on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers to society. It is a day when labor unions, workers, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about workers' rights and labor-related issues. In addition, it's a day of giving lily-of-the-valley flowers as a symbol of luck and well-wishing. Labor Day emphasizes the importance of fair labor practices and social justice, making it a culturally relevant occasion in France that highlights the role of labor in society.
WWII Victory Day, or "Fête de la Victoire," is celebrated on May 8th to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. It holds immense cultural significance as it marks the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. On this day, ceremonies, parades, and flag-raising events are held across the country to pay tribute to the heroes who fought for freedom. WWII Victory Day reminds the French people of their history and the enduring spirit of resilience and unity. It's a vital cultural occasion that honors the nation's heroes and their sacrifices.
Ascension Day, known as "L'Ascension," is a Christian holiday observed on the 40th day of Easter, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In France, it is marked by church services, processions, and religious gatherings. It's a time for French Christians to deepen their faith and connect with the Christian community. Ascension Day reinforces the cultural and religious ties that unite the Christian community in France and deepens their sense of devotion and unity.
Whit Sunday, or "Pentecôte," is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In France, it is observed with church services, processions, and spiritual activities. Whit Sunday is a time to strengthen one's faith and connect with the Christian community, making it a culturally important religious observance in France.
Whit Monday, known as "Lundi de Pentecôte," follows Whit Sunday and is a continuation of the Christian celebrations. It is a public holiday that provides an opportunity for French Christians to spend time with family and friends, attend church-related events, or engage in leisure activities. Whit Monday is a culturally significant part of the Pentecost festivities in France and encourages people to deepen their faith and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
Mother's Day, known as "Fête des Mères," is a day to honor and appreciate mothers in France. Celebrated on the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June, it is marked by the giving of gifts, cards, and flowers to mothers as a gesture of love and gratitude. Mother's Day holds cultural importance as it reinforces the bond between children and their mothers, emphasizing the value of family and the role of mothers in French society. It's a heartfelt occasion that celebrates maternal love and care.
Father's Day, known as "Fête des Pères," is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in France. It is a day to honor and appreciate fathers and father figures. Similar to Mother's Day, it involves the giving of gifts and cards to fathers as a token of appreciation. Father's Day emphasizes the importance of paternal roles and family bonds in French culture. It's a heartfelt occasion that celebrates the love and support provided by fathers and father figures.
Bastille Day, known as "Fête Nationale" or "14 Juillet," is celebrated on July 14th and is France's National Day. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Bastille Day is celebrated with grand military parades, fireworks, and cultural events across the country. It symbolizes the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, holding immense cultural and historical significance as a reminder of France's revolutionary past and its commitment to democracy and human rights.
The Assumption of Mary, known as "L'Assomption," is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven. In France, it is observed with church services, processions, and religious events. It is a day of spiritual reflection and devotion, strengthening the cultural ties that unite the Christian community in France. The Assumption of Mary is a culturally significant occasion that reaffirms the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and the role of faith in French culture.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends in France, known as "Heure d'hiver," typically on the last Sunday in October. Like the start of DST, it is not a traditional holiday but holds cultural relevance as it symbolizes the transition to shorter daylight hours and the approach of winter. French people adjust their clocks backward, adapting to the changing seasons and the return to standard time. It's a practical adjustment that aligns with the natural rhythms of daylight and darkness.
All Saints' Day, known as "La Toussaint," is a Christian holiday observed on November 1st to honor all saints and martyrs. In France, it is a day when families visit cemeteries to pay their respects to deceased loved ones. People often decorate graves with chrysanthemums, a symbol of remembrance. All Saints' Day is culturally relevant as it underscores the significance of faith and the importance of remembering those who have passed away in French culture. It's a day of reflection and honoring the memory of loved ones.
Armistice Day, known as "Armistice de 1918" or "Jour de l'Armistice," is celebrated on November 11th to commemorate the end of World War I. It holds immense cultural and historical significance as it marks the end of a devastating conflict. On this day, ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence are observed to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Armistice Day reminds the French people of the horrors of war and the importance of peace and unity. It's a vital cultural occasion that pays tribute to the nation's history and those who fought for it.
Christmas Eve, known as "Réveillon de Noël," is celebrated on December 24th in France as the evening before Christmas Day. It is a time for families to come together and enjoy a festive dinner. Many French people attend midnight Mass or engage in other religious activities. Christmas Eve holds cultural importance as it emphasizes the value of family, togetherness, and the anticipation of Christmas Day. It's a heartwarming occasion that brings joy and unity to households across the country.
Christmas Day, known as "Noël," is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services, nativity scenes, and the exchange of gifts. Families gather to share special meals, often featuring traditional dishes like roast turkey and "bûche de Noël" (Yule log cake). Christmas caroling and festive decorations enhance the cultural atmosphere, making Christmas a cherished and culturally significant holiday in France that brings joy and togetherness to communities.
St. Stephen's Day, known as "La Saint-Étienne," is celebrated on December 26th in France. It honors Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. While it is not a public holiday, some regions may have local traditions and observances. St. Stephen's Day holds cultural importance as it adds to the festive spirit of the holiday season, allowing for extended celebrations and gatherings with family and friends. It's a time for relaxation and continued merriment after Christmas Day.
New Year's Eve, known as "Réveillon du Nouvel An," is celebrated on December 31st in France as the year comes to a close. It's a night of festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks to welcome the approaching new year. Families and friends come together to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The celebrations promote unity, hope, and cultural traditions, making New Year's Eve a culturally significant occasion that ushers in the promise of a fresh start in France.
