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World Music Day: An Event That Began In France
Each year on June 21, the air in France is filled with music of all types. This is the day when Fte de la Musique is celebrated in many places across the country. Fte de la Musique translates to World Music Day, an event introduced by the Ministry for Culture of France in 1982.
This French event is very popular for several reasons. One, participation in the event is free (that is, musicians perform for free and the public can enjoy attending the event without paying any fee). Two, anybody who’s got talent for music (young or old) may join the event. Three, soloists, duets or groups are encouraged to participate. And four, participants can render or perform any kind or type of music. The promotional slogan for the event – “Faites de la musique” (make music) – is apt in this regard.
Another important thing that adds to the popularity of the event is the laxity by which venues are chosen. What this means is that the event may be held almost anywhere – in the streets, inside rooms of public buildings, in parks, at train stations, or even inside historic castles. Of these, the streets of France are the preferred venues of many participants.
The idea behind the launching of Fte de la Musique (and its yearly holding) is to enliven the atmosphere with the liberal expression of all types of music – avant, country, fabulous, hip hop, instrumental, jazz, Latin, pop, techno, and trance. It is an opportunity for people of all ages and from all social backgrounds to communicate through music. Any event of this kind certainly promises a special moment for everyone.
As the event tends to lure wide participation from among the thousands of amateur and professional musicians in France, so too is its aim of attracting a large audience. Both are possible because people are music lovers by nature, and expressing oneself through music is a great way for releasing one’s inner burdens. Along this line, it must be mentioned here that some of the day’s concerts are held right inside hospitals or prisons to help cheer patients/inmates up even for just a few hours.
Also the event can serve as a conduit for the transfer and exchange of the different styles of music between cities or regions. For this purpose, participation of large music groups (choirs or orchestras) is important and, therefore, encouraged. Likewise, based on past events, young musicians get the chance of meeting noted music talents and learn many things from them.
From France, the World Music Day has spread to cities of other countries. These include Brisbane (Australia), Sulaymaniyah (Iraqi Kurdistan), Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (Israel), Glasgow and Edinburgh (Scotland), London (England), and New York City and Cambridge (United States), among others.
The World Music Day celebrations in many cities outside France were initially organized by the French Embassies in those places. Later, local organizers took over and the event’s holding date of June 21 was maintained.
Beyond the usual hours that Fte de la Musique is held, amateur musicians may continue performing in public places. However, French authorities may impose noise restrictions or stop the concerts altogether in areas where the general public may ask that such performances be ended.
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The French Festival Of Lights In Lyon
Lyon is a city in the east-central portion of France, located between Marseille and the capital city of Paris. On December 8 every year, Lyonnais (the term used to refer to Lyon residents) and those from other towns and cities in France enjoy one of the most awaited French events that take place in Lyon – the Festival of Lights.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon is a century and a half-old tradition, in which Lyonnais honor the Blessed Virgin Mary by placing candle lamps in windows of their homes. The occasion is made special by the fact that it comes very close to the Christmas season (although it really does not have any connection with Christmas), making people feel like the holidays have already set in.
Actually, December 8 was not the intended date of the first holding of this “lighting” ceremony. Based on historical accounts, the religious leaders of Lyon organized in 1850 a statue-making contest. The statue to be made was that of the Virgin Mary, with the winning sculpture to be put up atop the Fourvire hill.
The winning sculpture was scheduled for unveiling a couple years later on the date the birth of the Virgin Mary is observed – September 8. Unfortunately on that day, the Sane river overflowed, flooding the entire area. Because of this, the organizers were forced to move the date of the unveiling ceremony three months later to December 8, which is the Immaculate Conception Day.
But the story did not end there. To celebrate the unveiling of the new statue, the people had planned to light candles inside their homes. On that rescheduled date, however, an extremely intense storm hit the city, and the ceremony’s date was moved anew four days later to December 12. The storm quickly passed though and in an act of thanksgiving, the people of Lyon proceeded with their planned lighting of candles (note: this was on December 8). They then went out into the streets to celebrate.
Touched by the people’s gesture, religious authorities also decided to light candles inside the chapel of Fourvire. From the streets, a spectacularly lighted view of Lyon can be seen, with the city illuminated from end to end. This event gave birth to the now very popular Festival of Lights in Lyon.
The modern celebration of the event is held for four days, from December 5 to 8. During this period, the whole of Lyon is illuminated through modern lighting techniques. The spectacular view of the city from outside attracts thousands of visitors from the neighboring cities and towns in France as well as from other countries. In fact, finding a hotel room to stay during this period is quite difficult.
Today, the French Festival of Lights in Lyon is not just an occasion for remembering the momentous events that took place more than one hundred fifty years ago in this city as recounted above. It now also serves as a forum for all cities, not just in France but in the whole world, to tackle urban lighting and such other issues related to it.
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School Holidays In France: Five Sets And The Zoning Scheme
School Holidays In France: Five Sets And The Zoning Scheme
Traveling to France when schools are on holiday may not be a good idea. This is because tourist resorts are teeming with vacationers during this period that one has to fight (figuratively, of course) for space. The Mediterranean coast and the more than 200 ski resorts are particularly crowded, often translating to lodging shortages.
This being the case, it is important to know when schools in France are closed. Note the following five sets of school holidays in a year (the French school calendar year starts in early September):
1. Toussaint break – This is a 12-day school break, in observance of All Saints’ Day, that usually begins around the latter part of the third week of October.
2. Noel-Le Jour de l’An break – Schools are closed for 15 days for the Christmas/New Year holidays, from December 20 to January 4. This is the period when ski resorts in France “overflow” with people and finding a vacant hotel room is next to impossible.
3. Hiver break – Another 15-day school break that begins in February, when winter is typically at its peak.
4. Printemps break – This is also known as the spring break, which coincides with Easter (Paques). Schools are closed for 15 days, beginning usually two days prior to Easter.
5. L’ete holidays – This is the 2-month long summer vacation, when all schools are closed from the beginning of July to the beginning of September. This period is certainly not a good time for tourists to visit France for the reasons earlier mentioned.
Besides these sets of school holidays, those planning a trip to France must also know that the French Ministry of Education had the schedules of the hiver and printemps breaks staggered by dividing France into three zones:
Zone A:
This zone covers the schools located in Toulouse, Nantes, Montpellier, Grenoble, Caen, Rennes, Nancy-Metz, Lyon, and Clermont-Ferrand.
Zone B:
The schools included in this zone are those located in Strasbourg, Reims, Orleans-Tours, Limoges, Dijon, Amiens, Rouen, Poitiers, Nice, Lille, Besancon, and Aix-Marseille.
Zone C:
This third zone includes schools in Versailles, Bordeaux, Crteil, and those in the capital city of Paris.
These zones specify when a school at a particular location will have its winter and spring breaks. As you take a look at your maps, you will note that the locations that comprise each zone do not make up a contiguous area. This was deliberately done in order that there will be an even distribution of holiday goers in resorts at any given period.
The effect of the zoning is another thing to be considered. What this means is that while the hiver and printemps breaks are 15-day periods as far as schools are concerned, the schedules of the zones overlap with one another, such that the length of each break is effectively stretched into one month. This matter has to be taken into account by a would-be visitor to France and avoided if possible.
The months of May and June are probably the best times for anyone to visit France while at the same time avoiding the lengthy school holidays, as the weather during this two-month period is perfect. Others may say though that this period, in fact, contains numerous holidays. These, however, are just one-day holidays and, except for Fte du Travail (Labor Day, May 1) and Victoire 1945 (Victory in Europe Day, May 8), have moveable dates.
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Pentecost And Whit Monday In France
One of the most important feasts in the Christian liturgical year is the Pentecost. It is celebrated 7 weeks (50 days to be exact) following Easter and falls on the tenth day following Ascension Thursday. Pentecost is also called by other names, such as “Whitsun”, “Whit Sunday”, or “”Whitsuntide”, depending on which country one is in.
In France, Pentecost (Pentecte in French) is one of religious holidays, which is observed with people attending special church services. Some are baptized (or baptized anew) in churches during this day. French Christians observe on this day the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the followers of Jesus Christ. A tradition followed during the Divine Service is the blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the sound of the wind that accompanied the Holy Spirit’s descent.
Because Pentecte always falls on a Sunday, most people in France celebrate the holiday like any other Sunday. Some families just stay at home while others go to parks. In any case, family members and friends get together on this day and have special meals.
And as on other Sundays, it is generally quiet in public places in France during Pentecost. Banks, shops, stores, and other businesses are closed on this day. Even those museums that are usually open on a Sunday may likewise be closed on this day.
The day after Pentecost, France celebrates another public holiday – Lundi de Pentecte (Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday). This day, however, is not celebrated by the French with the same religious significance as they do the Pentecost. Most people quietly observe the holiday with families and close friends.
Parks and countrysides in France are usually full of people on Whit Monday; they can be seen here enjoying a picnic lunch. In some villages and towns, cultural and sporting events are held on this day.
Actually, France observed Whit Monday as a public holiday until 2005, when it was replaced by another holiday. This was the French government’s way of raising funds to financially support the elderly and those with disabilities, a move conceived after the tragic death of some 15,000 elderly people caused by a heat wave in the summer of 2003.
The French government’s cancellation of Whit Monday as a public holiday meant that workers rendered services on this day with no pay. Their wages were instead collected and used to assist people with disabilities and the elderly. Workers, however, began to air their grievances against this move and held a series of demonstrations to force the government to repeal it. Eventually, Whit Monday was reinstated as a public holiday in 2008, with the government introducing other measures in order to keep its earlier commitment as explained.
Again like during the Pentecost or any other public holiday, Whit Monday in France means a day when public life practically comes to a halt. Almost all businesses, shops, and stores are closed. Some stores in Paris as well as in airports and at railway stations may be open though. Public transport service schedules may also be irregular or different on this day.
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Noel In France No Different From Christmas Celebrations Elsewhere
Christmas is a major occasion celebrated, as a public holiday, on December 25 by many countries around the world. In France, this special day is called “Noel”. The French celebrate Noel in much the same way as people of other nations do. While there may be some marked differences in certain aspects, many of the ways by which Christmas is celebrated are common among many countries.
Giving of gifts and putting up decorations are just two of the traditions that are associated with celebrating Christmas. A visitor to France, spending Christmas for the first time there, will surely find many things about the French celebration of the holidays similar to those familiar in his home country.
Christmas decorations:
1. Creche – The “creche” (Nativity scene) is an important part of the Christmas celebration in France, and almost every French home as well as churches has one. Little figures made of clay, called “santons” (little saints), are arranged in the creche to depict the Holy Family, the Magi, and the shepherds. In addition to these familiar figures, the French creche may also include other figures in the form of local characters. The santons are often colorfully made to add life to the creche.
2. Sapin de Noel – The putting up of “sapin de Noel” (Christmas tree) is a tradition that began in France in the 18th century. The tree is adorned with ribbons, flowers made of paper, and, sometimes, with apples. Today, however, the Christmas tree is no longer as popular as it is in other countries.
3. Le Gui – The hanging of “le gui” (the mistletoe) above the door is a tradition meant to bring good fortune to homes and families. The French make use of the mistletoe though more during the New Year celebrations.
Traditional Christmas foods served:
1. Foie Gras – The “foie gras” (fat liver) is perhaps the most popular French food served during the Christmas season. It is made of goose or duck liver that has been fattened through some special feeding process.
2. Crepes – These are very thin pancakes made from wheat flour. Common crepe fillings are ham, eggs, mushrooms, and cheese. Those who prefer their crepes sweet can have them filled with fruit spreads, maple syrup, or simply with powdered sugar.
3. Dinde Aux Marrons – This is a special food served in many homes in France during Christmas. It is turkey stuffed with chestnuts.
Other foods traditionally served during Christmas in France include “chapon” (roasted chicken), oysters, and smoked salmon. For desserts, there are “buche de Noel” (cake made of chestnuts and chocolate and shaped into a log), “calissons” (fruit-flavored candies), and quince cheese (a sweet, thick jelly).
Traditional French Christmas carols:
The most popular traditional songs heard around France during the Christmas season include “Minuit Chretiens” (“O Holy Night”), “Pat-a-pan” (similar in concept to “The Little Drummer Boy”), and “Quelle est cette odeur agreable?” (“Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?”).
Christmas is always a happy occasion, especially for children. In France, children expect to receive toys, candies, fruits and other gifts from “Pere Noel” (Santa Claus), by putting their shoes in front of the fireplace hoping that these will be filled with the goodies.
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Mardi Gras In Nice And Similar Carnaval Celebrations In Other
Mardi Gras In Nice And Similar Carnaval Celebrations In Other French Cities
Every year on or immediately after the Feast of the Epiphany until the eve of Ash Wednesday, many cities around the world go on a celebration popularly called Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras celebration is one of festive mood, during which lots of merrymaking take place. There are dancing and parades on the streets with people wearing costumes and masks. Sports competitions are also held elsewhere.
Mardi Gras traces its origin in the city of Nice in France. The term “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday”, coined to refer to the final night of indulging in rich foods prior to the start of the Lenten season (Ash Wednesday) during which fasting is a religious obligation.
History has it that the French city of Nice was the first to hold Carnival (Carnaval in French) festivities. This was in 1294. The festivities included activities commonly witnessed in a circus, such as mimes, jugglers, bonfires and balls, to name a few. People only need to wear masks and come in costumes in order to participate. The Nice Carnaval became very popular that people from all over the world began visiting the city during this time of the year.
Today, Mardi Gras in Nice is celebrated over a period of ten days. The streets come to life during this period, with parades featuring costumed people on flower-decked floats. Other fun-filled events are lined up during the day. When night falls, spectacular light displays illuminate the city.
Other cities in France hold festivities similar to Mardi Gras. Here are some of them:
1. Carnaval de Granville – This is held in Granville, France during the period when Mardi Gras in Nice is celebrated. The first celebration of this Carnaval took place in 1872. Back then, the feast was dedicated to fishermen as a sendoff ceremony prior to their new adventure out in the waters.
2. Carnaval de Bailleul – This celebration takes place in the town of Bailleul near France’s border with Belgium. It’s been an annual celebration here since 1853.
3. Carnaval des deux rives – The port city of Bordeaux is host to this annual celebration. Simultaneous celebrations (of the same Carnival) in at least twelve other cities around the world take place in the same period that the Bordeaux Carnival is held.
4. Carnaval de Jargeau – This celebration is held in the small town of Jargeau near the Loire river in central France.
5. Carnaval de Nantes – Close to half a million people attend this annual celebration, which is held in the city of Nantes in western France.
6. Carnaval de Pzenas – A festival celebration held annually in the town of Pzenas.
7. Carnaval de Vitr – A yearly celebration in the city of Vitr.
Of course, the French capital city of Paris holds its own Mardi Gras every year. It’s called Carnaval de Paris, considered one of Europe’s major festivals since the 16th century. The Carnival takes place after the Fte des Fous (Feast of Fools), which occurs between Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany.
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Le Jour De L’An: New Year Celebration In France
France celebrates New Year on January 1 like many other countries do. The beginning of a new year, which is “le Jour de l’An” in French, is a highly anticipated occasion that is observed with festivities. Among these is the customary holding of a feast, referred to as “le Rveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre”.
The term “la Saint-Sylvestre” actually refers to New Year’s Eve (December 31). Hence, the le Rveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre feast is a grand celebration the French host to mark the closing of an old year and the birth of another. Special dishes, such as foie gras (fattened goose liver), are aplenty during this time; so are various kinds of drinks including the very popular sparkling white wine “champagne” and the equally famous hot wine “vin chaud”. At the stroke of midnight, family members and friends kiss under “le gui” (the mistletoe).
Fireworks are common, especially on the streets of Paris. These have become an important part of the New Year celebration in this city, which is helped a lot by the fact that fireworks are legally sold and bought here.
The celebration can be a simple get-together of family members over dinner or a more extravagant formal gathering of families and friends called “une soiree” (literally, an evening gathering). Traditional activities include exchanging of “les etrennes” (New Year’s gifts) and even of “une bonne resolution” (New Year’s resolutions). People greet each other excitedly on the streets, give greeting cards and other goodies, all meant to usher in a prosperous new year.
In Bordeaux and other cities and villages in southwest France, people hear mass in the evening and join the torchlight procession that ends in the vineyards, where people pick grapes and enjoy some mulled wine. In the southern city of Avignon, the famous “Illuminations Tour and Dinner” is a fully-booked activity at this time.
Festivities in the capital city of Paris are held with the participation of thousands of entertainers, singers and dancers. These festivities, actually a two-day parade, go through several streets, proceed through the city’s metropolitan area of Chantilly on December 31, and end at the Champ de Mars (right under the Eiffel Tower) the following day (January 1).
New Year songs are heard all over, such as “Choral des Adieux”, the equivalent of the Scottish poem-turned-folk song “Auld Lang Syne”. Two other songs popularly sung during this occasion are “Toast pour le nouvel An” (“Toast to the New Year”) and “La chanson du Nouvel-An” (“Song of the New Year”).
Taking a cruise has become a popular way of celebrating New Year in France of late. Cruise choices (reservations should be made at least one month before New Year) include tours of the canals and rivers of France, a tour of the northern part of the country on the Seine beginning at Paris and ending at Normandy (this is ideal for couples), or of the southern part on the Saone and Rhone starting at Lyon and terminating at Provence.
The conclusion of all celebrations of le Jour de l’An is on the feast of the Epiphany (January 6). Here, a special cake, called “la galette des rois” (king’s cake) is cut and shared among family members and friends.
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La Toussaint And Le Jour Des Morts
…French Celebration Of Two Related Holidays
Catholics around the world celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1 every year. This is followed by their observance of All Souls’ Day on November 2. While these two holidays are related to each other, only the former is celebrated as a public holiday in many countries, including France.
France observes “La Toussaint” (All Saints’ Day), a holy day of obligation, in honor of all the saints recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. On the other hand, “Le Jour des Morts” (All Souls’ Day) is an occasion for remembering departed family members and friends. But since Le Jour des Morts is not a “jour ferie” (public holiday) in France, people visit cemeteries in conjunction with their observance of La Toussaint – on November 1.
La Toussaint and Le Jour des Morts actually fall within the first of five sets of school holidays in France, which is a 12-day school break that begins around the third week of October. As such, many families use both occasions as an opportunity to be together by taking a short trip or a brief vacation.
Traditionally, of course, these holidays are a time for attending special church services and for visiting cemeteries. People place flowers or wreaths on graves. Chrysanthemums are a popular symbol during these occasions, and they are used to decorate churches and cemeteries. Along with these, churches are likewise adorned with candles, banners, and such other things that are associated with remembering the dead. Many cemeteries, particularly those in the south-central and northwest regions, are decorated with stone lanterns.
Churches are draped with folds of black cloth on the eve of Le Jour des Morts. People can be heard singing funeral songs, reciting prayers, and telling stories about the dead. A special supper in honor of the dead is partaken at midnight, which traditionally consists of black grain, pancakes, and milk.
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in France may also be an occasion for people to visit any of the various cemeteries where famous people are interred. Some examples are the Cimetire de Batignolles in France (final resting place of French poets Paul-Marie Verlaine and Andr Breton), the Grand Jas Cemetery in Cannes (burial place of French film actress Martine Carol and Russian-French jeweler Peter Carl Faberg), and the Saint Remi Basilica in Reims (where the remains of Louis IV and Lothair I are known to be interred in unidentified graves).
Holidays in France are taken seriously. What this means is that during such public holidays as La Toussaint, places that teem with activities on ordinary days are generally quiet. Banks, post offices, stores, and most other business establishments are closed. The only certain exceptions are flower shops and, perhaps, some stores in Paris.
Schedules of public transport service during the holidays may likewise be different from those of regular working days. Those wishing to visit France during the La Toussaint-Le Jour des Morts holidays should make arrangements for their transport based on where they will stay and where they plan to go around.
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La Journe De Solidarit: French National Day Of Solidarity
In August of 2003, a scorching heat wave swept across Europe, claiming almost 15,000 lives in France alone. Most of the victims were elderly people and some with disabilities. Responding to this momentous tragic event, the French government, by way of a reform, made a commitment to raise money to financially support the elderly and persons with disabilities.
To support this drive, the government made an additional annual allocation of two billion euros for the benefit of the elderly and disabled through the Caisse Nationale de Solidarit Pour l’Autonomie (National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy). This is the first such reform in France, which was presented on November 6, 2003, that is funded not through increased taxes but through the concept of “workers solidarity”.
By this concept, the government has urged the citizens of France, specifically civil servants and employees, to show their support for the reform by rendering an extra day of service without pay. This extra day is referred to as “La Journe De Solidarit” (National Day of Solidarity). The wages that are supposed to be paid to workers on this day will instead be collected and put into the fund.
The selection of the date of the French National Day of Solidarity went through a process that considered the diverse regional and economic conditions of the country. This was necessary to ensure broad participation among workers in both the public and private sectors, thus giving justice to the term “solidarity”.
It was eventually decided that the French National Day of Solidarity be held on the same day as that of one of France’s public holidays – Whit Monday, or the day after Pentecost. This effectively cancelled Whit Monday’s being a public holiday (observed as such for more than a hundred years) and the day was converted into the rather odd status of a “working holiday”.
For the elderly, the significance of this day is that their home life will be improved, retirement homes will be modernized, and medical care will be guaranteed. All these are possible through the more than 1 billion euros expected to be generated from this single day annually.
A separate fund of 800 million euros a year, likewise expected to be generated from the one-day “event”, will be used to aid persons with disabilities and enable them cope with extra expenses as a consequence of their condition.
In 2008, Whit Monday was restored as a public holiday after workers across the country staged a series of demonstrations in protest of the concept by which the French National Day of Solidarity was established (not the purpose for which it was created). Specifically, workers were against the idea of working for a day without being paid for it.
To maintain its commitment of supporting the elderly and the disabled, the French government turned to other fiscal measures. Also, an agreement was reached between and among the government, employers, and employees, significantly modifying the original concept of the reform. Under the agreement, the equivalent of 7 hours of unpaid work can be spread over a period of one week, a month, or even a year.
Today, France celebrates La Journe De Solidarit simultaneous with its observance of Whit Monday, with the day being a public holiday.
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La Fete De La Victoire: French Celebration Of WWII Victory
La Fete De La Victoire: French Celebration Of WWII Victory In Europe
The end of World War II, also known as Victory Day in Europe, is celebrated as a national holiday on May 8 every year in at least seven countries in Europe. In France, the celebration is called “La Fete de la Victoire”.
It will be recalled that it was on May 8, 1945 when Charles de Gaulle, then leader of the Forces Francaises Libres (FFL), announced the end of the Second World War in France. This announcement was made a day after the unconditional surrender of the forces of Nazi Germany was accepted by the Allies. It is fitting that France observes this momentous event every year, especially since it was in the city of Reims where the act of military surrender was signed.
How does France celebrate La Fete De La Victoire? First of all, since it is a public holiday, most business establishments are closed on this day; so are banks and post offices. Except on tourist areas, cafes, restaurants, and stores may also be closed. One may find some stores open on this day along main direct roads, at railway stations, or at airports. Those planning to spend the holiday in Paris will find many stores open there on this day.
Also note that roads, particularly those in the center of cities or towns, may be closed for parades. And depending on where one resides and intends to travel, schedules of public transport service may differ from those of ordinary days.
During the entire week preceding May 8, all educational institutions incorporate special lessons in their classes, which focus on the history of the Second World War and the oppressive acts committed by Nazi Germany against the French people. Through these lessons, every succeeding generation will be informed of the events that took place during the war and will have a better understanding of the importance of preserving the rights of every human being.
La Fete de la Victoire is an occasion for the French people to attend church services and parades, and sing patriotic songs in parks and streets, foremost of which, of course, is the French national anthem “La Marseillaise”. On this day, too, one will find the Tricolore (the national flag of France) prominently displayed on every home and public building.
The flag, of course, is the most important symbol in any country, signifying that country’s independence. To describe the French national flag, it is fifty percent wider than its height and has three colored bands (blue/white/red) of equal width. In some ceremonies, the flag and emblem of the European Union is also displayed to emphasize that all countries in Europe are united in peace.
While the prevailing mood during this special day is one of merriment, many people likewise use the occasion to remember family members, friends, or other people they know who had been victims of or died during the war. French veterans of the war, who may still be physically capable of rendering public service on this day, do so as part of the celebrations.
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