France, a country located in Western Europe, has a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved and celebrated over the years. One of the ways this heritage is celebrated is through the French calendar, which is filled with a variety of public holidays and festivals. In this article, we will take a closer look at the France calendar for 2023, including its major holidays and festivities.
January 2023 France Calendar
The year begins with New Year’s Day, which is celebrated on January 1st. This day is a public holiday in France, and many people spend it with their families and loved ones. The day is often marked with fireworks displays, street parties, and parades. In some parts of France, such as Strasbourg and Marseille, there are also Christmas markets that continue into the first week of January.
February 2023 France Calendar
In 2023, February is an eventful month in France, with several significant celebrations taking place. The first major event is Candlemas, which is celebrated on February 2nd. This is a Christian festival that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple. On this day, many people attend church services and light candles to symbolize the light of Christ.
The next event in February is Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14th. Although not a public holiday, Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in France, with many couples exchanging gifts and going out for romantic meals.
February 28th marks the beginning of the Carnival season, which lasts until Ash Wednesday. Carnival is a time of celebration, with parades, street parties, and costume balls taking place across France. The most famous Carnival celebrations are held in Nice, where the streets are transformed into a riot of colour and sound.
March 2023 France Calendar
March is a month of transition, as the winter gives way to the spring. In France, March 20th marks the spring equinox, when day and night are of equal length. The equinox is not a public holiday, but many people celebrate it by spending time outdoors and enjoying the new growth of spring.
April 2023 France Calendar
In 2023, Easter Sunday falls on April 16th. Easter is a significant religious holiday in France, with many people attending church services and participating in Easter egg hunts. The day is also marked by the traditional French Easter meal, which includes roast lamb, asparagus, and chocolate eggs.
May 2023 France Calendar
May 1st is Labor Day, a public holiday in France that celebrates the achievements of the labour movement. On this day, many people take to the streets to demonstrate workers’ rights and better working conditions. The day is also marked by the giving of lily of the valley flowers, a tradition that dates back to the reign of Charles IX in the 16th century.
May 8th is Victory in Europe Day, a public holiday that commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. On this day, there are often parades and ceremonies held across France to honour the men and women who fought for freedom and democracy.
May is also the month of the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. The festival takes place in the town of Cannes on the French Riviera and attracts film stars and celebrities from around the world.
June 2023 France Calendar
June is a month of celebration in France, with several significant events taking place. The first is the Fête de la Musique, a music festival that takes place on June 21st. On this day, musicians of all genres take to the streets to perform for free, and the atmosphere is electric.
June 24th is the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, a Christian festival that marks the midsummer solstice. On this day, there are often bonfires and fireworks displays held across France, and many people spend the night outdoors, celebrating the coming of summer.
July 2023 France Calendar
France, a country famous for its food, wine, culture, and history, is a popular tourist destination. July is a peak season for visitors, and it’s easy to see why. With warm weather and long days, there is a lot to see and do in France during this month. Here’s a rundown of the holidays, festivals, and events that will take place in France in July 2023.
Bastille Day (July 14th)
Bastille Day is the French national holiday and is celebrated on July 14th every year. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. This event ultimately led to the end of the monarchy in France and the birth of the First French Republic. The day is marked with parades, fireworks, and other festivities throughout France, but the largest celebrations take place in Paris. The military parade on the Champs-Elysées is a highlight of the day, and the evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower.
Tour de France (July 1st – 23rd)
The Tour de France is an annual cycling race that takes place in France and other parts of Europe. The race typically takes place over three weeks in July and covers over 2,000 miles. The route changes every year, but it always finishes on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. The race attracts cyclists from all over the world and is watched by millions of people. The race is not just about cycling; it is also a celebration of French culture and history.
Fête du Canada (July 1st)
July 1st is Canada Day, and it is celebrated by Canadians all over the world. In France, the Canadian community celebrates this day with the Fête du Canada, which takes place in Paris. The event includes music, food, and other activities that showcase Canadian culture.
Avignon Festival (July 6th – 26th)
The Avignon Festival is one of the largest theatre festivals in the world and takes place every year in July. The festival features over 40 productions in various venues throughout the city. The performances range from classic to contemporary, and they are performed in various languages. The festival attracts theater lovers from all over the world, and it is an excellent way to experience French culture.
Nice Jazz Festival (July 16th – 23rd)
The Nice Jazz Festival is a music festival that takes place in Nice, a city on the French Riviera. The festival features jazz musicians from all over the world and has been running since 1948. The event takes place in the open air, and it’s a great way to experience the warm summer evenings in the south of France.