New Year celebrations in France are popularly called “R?eveillon”. Earlier,
French people used to celebrate New Year between the end of March and the
beginning of April. However, after the introduction of the Gregorian calendar,
in 1582, they adopted the reformed calendar. Today, like other parts of the
world, they consider 1st January as the beginning of the year. In France, New
Year’s Eve (31st December) is called la Saint-Sylvestre. On this day, people
either go for simple, intimate celebrations with their family members and close
friends or organize celebrations on a grand scale. Know more about New Year
celebration in France in the lines below.
New Year Celebrations In France
Usually, people have a grand feast on the New Year Eve called le R?eveillon de
la Saint-Sylvestre. Special dishes like pancakes and foie gras are compulsorily
made for the feast. People have absolute mirth and joy with drinks like
champagne. French peole believe that these dishes and drinks bring prosperity to
their house. They also enjoy a ball dance with their near and dear ones, which
is popularly called une soir?ee dansante. In Southwest France, people attend
evening mass on the New Year Eve and take part in the torchlight procession. The
procession goes towards the vineyards, for the mulled wine.
At midnight, the French kiss each other under the mistletoe and give warm wishes
for the coming year. Unlike other countries, kissing under mistletoe is more a
New Year custom in France, than the Christmas custom. A famous New Year parade
takes place in Paris every year. Thousand of performers from all over the world
steal the show with wonderful songs, dances and other cultural activities. The
parade goes through several streets in Paris. Generally, it starts on 31st
December and passes through Chantilly to reach Trocardero, under the Eiffer
Tower on the last day, January 1.
New Year is called le Jour de l’An in France, wherein people share their
resolutions among near and dear ones. They also exchange cards and gifts, which
reflect the mood and spirit of the celebration. This is the perfect time for
family members and friends to be with each other. They dine together, have fun
and form great memories. Some people also prepare heart or log shaped desserts,
usually made from ice cream. People are highly excited and welcome the fresh
year whole-heartedly. In France, New Year celebration last till January 6,
ending with Epiphany, when the natives enjoy a traditional cake called la
galette des rois.
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