French traditions

Spring party in ColmarThis meeting is an opportunity to enjoy the first rays of the sun. During two weeks, the city of Colmar, is a meeting for eating and drinking all regional products (for exemple pig, beer, wine...).The city is decorated with a lot of flowers and colors…

Easter

Called Pâques in France, this is a

very important time for the

French, who have a strong

Christian, and especially Catholic,

background. According to

tradition, no church bells are rung

on the Thursday before Good

Friday and remain silent for several

days, until on Easter Sunday, they

revive.

Flying BellsFrench children are told that the Flying Bells leave on the Thursday before Good Friday,

taking with them all the grief and misery of mourners of Christ's crucifixion, reaching

Rome to see the Pope and then come back on Easter Sunday morning bearing

chocolate easter eggs, which are hidden around houses and gardens for children to

find.

Poisson d’AvrilThis is the name used for the French Easter Fish and also comes in a chocolate version.

An age-old tradition however, that dates back several centuries, involving the Poisson

d'Avril, takes place on April 1st. The great joke is for children to make fish of paper and

pin as many as possible to the backs of adults, then run gleefully away yelling “Poisson

d'Avril!!”, which is a little like saying “April Fools!”

May 1stThe first day of the month of May is known as May Day. It is the time of year when warmer weather begins and flowers and trees start to blossom. It is said to be a time of love and romance. It is when people celebrate the coming of summer with lots of different customs that are expressions of joy and hope after a long winter.

Les feux de la St Jean

St-Jean’s fires are a christian party wich lasts all night long on the 24th June each year. According to the beliefs, the party is made for staying far away from the devil.

Before the party During the party