Major Festivals in France: A Cultural Overview

1. Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)

• Bastille Day

• 📅 July 14

• Celebrates the Storming of the Bastille

What happens:

• Fireworks (especially in Paris)

• Military parade on the Champs-Élysées

• Parties and concerts

2. Cannes Film Festival

• Cannes Film Festival

• 📅 May

Known for:

• Red carpet glamour

• Global film premieres

• Celebrities and media

3. Fête de la Musique (Music Day)

• Fête de la Musique

• 📅 June 21

What happens:

• Free music concerts everywhere

• Streets filled with performers

• Anyone can play music

1. All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)

• All Saints’ Day

• 📅 November 1

Traditions:

• Visiting graves of loved ones

• Placing flowers (especially chrysanthemums)