The French language is not only a tool for communication, it is also a bridge to a beautiful culture full of interesting facts, such as the Fête nationale du Québec, which originates from the Fête de Saint-Jean-Baptiste Fête de Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a religious festival that celebrates the birth of St. John the Baptist (June 24), and is so important to Quebecers and French Canadians that the government decreed this day as a national holiday in the province.

Also the feast of Action de grâce, the Fête du travail, the Festival du Voyageur and others that lead us to discover the deeper meaning of many French words, names and expressions.

Today we will talk about les fêtes principales of the French-speaking culture, some fun facts and how to advance your French level by learning new vocabulary. Shall we go?

The power of holiday vocabulary

Each party (fête) has a name that gives us clues about its meaning and context. By analyzing these names, we can better understand the central theme of each celebration and expand our knowledge of the French language through inference and even the Latin root of the words. For example:

• The Fête du Travail in Quebec, which is celebrated on the first Monday in September and is a public holiday dedicated to recognizing the rights and achievements of the travailleurs (workers).

Curious fact: paradoxically, this day of rest and celebration dates back to distant times when the travailleurs had to work up to 12 hours a day. Fortunately, it is now a fête de fête of repos (rest)!

• "La Chandeleur" (France, 2 février): its name comes from chandelle (from Latin candela), which in its original sense meant "candle" or "torch", since it was formerly celebrated with illuminated processions.

Fun fact: Today, "La Chandeleur is famous in France for the tradition of eating crêpesa symbol of prosperity.

• "FrancoFête en Acadie": this festival brings together the French-speaking community of Canada, with music, art and gastronomy.

Fun fact: Acadie refers to the historical region of Acadia, encompassing parts of Canada's Maritime Provinces, a region with a strong French-speaking heritage.

• "La Nuit sur l'Étang". (Ontario): the festival "La Nuit sur l'Étang is a beautiful gathering of French-speaking music and culture that brings together French-speaking artists and communities in this Canadian province.

Fun fact: the name of this festival evokes a poetic image of the tranquility of a pond under the night, reflecting the depth and richness of French-speaking culture.

• L'Action de grâce is a holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada.

Fun fact: this action de grâce is related to the thanksgiving for the harvests at the time of the indigenous peoples. Today, it is celebrated on the second lundi (Monday) of each October.

• "La Francophonie" (20 mars): this celebration is for those who study French, as it honors the diversity of the countries that share this language.

Fun fact: Canada is an important member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)and has strengthened its commitment to the promotion of the language worldwide and the selection of French-speaking French-speaking candidates through the Express Entry.

How to improve your language skills and be part of the French-speaking community

Learning French is much more than mastering a language; it is becoming part of a priceless legacy of humanity. The French language connects millions of people around the world, giving them access to academic, employment and cultural opportunities.

Being a part of the French-speaking community requires you to become fluent in the language in order to become a second language. To do so, it is best to to study it formally in an academy recognized by institutions that preserve the French language as a legacy.

At Planet Immiland, we teach Canadian French for immigration purposes to Canada. We are certified by Languages Canada. In addition, we offer the French Express Entry Program.

Do you want to be part of the French-speaking community? We invite you to advance your level of French with our courses. Start with the free test to find your recommended course here.

I hope that this topic on the traditional festivals of the French-speaking world has been to your liking and that you now have new words in your French vocabulary.

Thank you very much for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education