Upcoming events until the end of 2017..
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is officially a catholic event. It means litterally ”fat tuesday”. It was the last day that the christians could eat (especially meat) before spending 40 days of prayer and to not to eat meat until easter. ”Carnaval” comes from the Latin word “carne levare” (to remove the meat). Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cities in France, like Paris, but especially Nice. In Nice the carnaval is called ”Carnaval de Nice”. On this day it is common to eat les beignets du carnaval. On the street there is one big party and a big parade. People wear colorful costumes and masks.
Le 14 juillet
On July 14, 1789, troops stormed the Bastille. This was a pivotal event at the beginning of the French revolution. On July 14, 1790, there was a celebration called Fête de la Fédération. It became an official national holiday in 1880. Since that year, the military parade in Paris has been held every year except during World War II.
When it’s ”Le 14 juillet”, the streets are full with people. In paris there is a big event going on. There is a large military parade in Paris at the Champs-Élysee. About 4.000 soldiers, police, firefighters and other military academies take part at the large parade. In the evening, there will be fireworks and light up the city from the Eiffeltower.
Post offices, banks and many businesses are closed because of the public holiday.
In English-speaking countries they call it Bastille Day.
Prix d’Amérique
Prix d’Amérique is a harness race held at the Hippodrome de Vincennes in Paris. A harness race is a form of horse racing. They use a two-wheeled cart called a sulky for the race. The race takes place on the last Sunday of January every year. It started in 1920. Since that year, the race has been held every year except during the World War II time. It is the biggest trotting race in the world.
Christmas in Paris
Many christians in France celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas (Noël). People spend the day with family and friends.
A very usual thing to do in France is to put up a christmas tree, visit the church, eat an extended meal and open Christmas presents on Christmas eve.
- Popular French Christmas dishes:
- Rabbit terrine
- Brouillade de truffes (omelette with truffles)
- Salad, green beans, carrots and patatoes
- Roasted capon (a small bird)
- Aigo-Boulido (garlic soup)
- papillottes (small chocolate candies)
New Years Eve in Paris
When New Year’s eve begins on December 31 it is called: Le réveillon du jour de l’an.
In France, New Year’s eve is also called La Saint-Sylvestre because France is originally a catholic country. La Saint-Sylvestre is a Saint’s feast day.
The city of lights has always a amazing vibe and atmosphere going when it comes to New Year’s eve. Paris is filled with cruises, dinners, events and cabarets.