Fun and festivities in France - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

France is not a deeply religious country; almost half of its inhabitants do not belong to any religion. However Christmas is celebrated in its cities on a special scale. This day becomes a symbol of miracle. The streets are lit up with a huge number of flashing garlands and ornaments, luxurious fir trees decorated with glass toys are mounted in the squares. Children put boots and shoes under the tree in the house, in them on Christmas night should put gifts by Peer Noel, getting inside through the chimney. Christmas dinner is called "reway", its menu is strictly regulated, and recipes are passed on from generation to generation. At the Christmas table there must be a bird, most often goose, pates, salads and a special dessert - a pie in the form of logs.

Another important French holiday is the Bastille Day, which the French celebrate on July 14 each year. The holiday was established in 1880 and is a symbol of the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in the country, which occurred back in the late 18th century. The French were the first in Europe to abandon absolutism, the capture of the Bastille - fortress-prison, the destruction of which became a symbol of freedom. This holiday is the main national celebration and is widely celebrated throughout the country. In the center of Paris in the park Tuileries, balls are held while on the Champs Elysees, a solemn military parade is held. The holiday ends with a traditional pyrotechnic show and fireworks. The Day of Taking the Bastille is also celebrated in other cities around the world - in Düsseldorf at this time is the French holiday.

Also great celebrations take place on Easter; this holiday is one of the most important Christian holidays in the country. The main service takes place in the most famous French church - the Notre Dame Cathedral. On May 8, the French celebrate the day of liberation from fascism; the feast was established on the day of the complete surrender of fascist Germany. France took an active part in the battles. For a long time, it was in occupation, and therefore for locals is a special holiday and a day of remembrance of the victims of the war. On November 11 at 11 o'clock in the country a minute of silence begins in memory of the victims of the First World War. On this day they remember those who died on the battlefields. On May 30 is celebrated the Day of Saint Joan of Arc, which became a symbol of the resistance and independence of France. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In March a very kind and family holiday is celebrated in France - Grandmother's Day. On this day, all women, older than 55 years, dress up, leave their household chores and worries, and go to celebrate their holiday. Grandchildren on this day give them gifts and pleasant souvenirs. The National Day of Grandmothers is celebrated on the first Sunday of March. In Halloween, locals decorate their homes with pumpkins, and dress themselves up like ghosts and witches. The streets of cities mostly resemble a fairy tale. In this time, traveling in France is particularly interesting. On the day after Halloween, November 1, the All Saints Day, the French go to the cemeteries, where they visit the graves of their relatives and friends.

In France, every year there is a huge number of festivals. June 21, Music Day, is a day off throughout the country. On this day on the streets and squares are established scenes and venues, where musical groups and performers of different ranks perform: from beginners to real legends of the French stage. Great attention is paid in France to classical and ancient music. In Ambron, in abbey built in the 11th century, there is a festival of baroque music annually. In the city of La Cote-Saint-Andre every year, there is a festival of Hector Berlioz, the famous French composer and music writer.

France is the capital of film festivals, the most famous ones are held on the Cote d'Azur. The Cannes Film Festival is annually held in the Palace of Festivals and Congresses in Cannes and is one of the most prestigious in the world. The main prize of the festival is the famous golden palm branch, which is awarded by a special jury consisting of professionals in the film industry. The festival is widely covered by the press, the most famous actors of the world gather on its red carpet. In Nantes, the Festival of Three Continents takes place, in which films from Asia, Latin America and Africa are shown. In Clermont-Ferrand, the most prestigious short film festival takes place every year.