Jour de l'an in France

Posted by CelebrateZone.com on Thu, May 11, 2023

Jour de l’an in France

Jour de l’an is a holiday in France.

When is Jour de l’an in France

Jour de l’an is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in France.

About Jour de l’an in France

Jour de l’an, or New Year’s Day, is a national holiday in France celebrated on January 1st. It is a time for people to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional French cuisine.

One of the most popular traditions on Jour de l’an is the “réveillon,” a festive meal that is typically served after midnight on New Year’s Eve. The meal often includes oysters, foie gras, champagne, and other delicacies.

In some regions of France, it is also customary to attend a religious service on New Year’s Day, while others may participate in outdoor activities like ice skating or skiing.

Fireworks displays are common in many cities and towns across France, and many people also exchange gifts and cards to mark the occasion.

Overall, Jour de l’an is a time for celebration and reflection, as people look back on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

History of Jour de l’an in France

Jour de l’an, also known as New Year’s Day, has been celebrated in France since ancient times. In the pre-Christian era, the winter solstice was celebrated as the beginning of the new year. With the arrival of Christianity, the celebration shifted to January 1st, the day of the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ.

During the Middle Ages, the celebration of Jour de l’an became more elaborate, with feasts, dances, and gift-giving. The holiday was also marked by the exchange of New Year’s greetings, which became a tradition that continues to this day.

In the 16th century, King Charles IX of France officially declared January 1st as the start of the new year. This was a significant change from the previous practice of celebrating the new year on various dates throughout the year.

During the French Revolution, the celebration of Jour de l’an took on a more secular tone. The holiday was renamed “La Fête de la Raison” (the Festival of Reason) and celebrated with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.

In the 20th century, Jour de l’an became a public holiday in France, with many businesses and government offices closed for the day. The holiday is typically celebrated with family gatherings, meals, and parties.

Today, Jour de l’an remains an important holiday in France, marking the beginning of a new year and a time for reflection, celebration, and renewal.

How is Jour de l’an celebrated in France

Jour de l’an, or New Year’s Day, is celebrated in France with great enthusiasm and joy. Here are some ways in which the French celebrate this day:

  1. New Year’s Eve (La Saint-Sylvestre): The night before New Year’s Day is celebrated with a big party, either at home or in a restaurant. People eat, drink and dance until midnight when they toast with champagne and wish each other Bonne Année (Happy New Year).

  2. Fireworks: Fireworks displays are common in many cities and towns across France on New Year’s Eve.

  3. Traditional Food: A traditional French New Year’s meal is a feast of oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon, and other delicacies. It is also common to eat a Galette des Rois, a pastry cake with a hidden trinket inside. The person who gets the trinket is crowned king or queen for the day.

  4. Greetings: People send New Year’s cards (cartes de voeux) to friends and family, wishing them a happy and prosperous new year.

  5. Public Celebrations: Many towns and cities organize public celebrations on New Year’s Day, including parades, concerts, and other cultural events.

  6. Family Time: New Year’s Day is also a time for families to get together and enjoy a meal together. It is a day to relax and reflect on the year gone by and make resolutions for the coming year.

Dates

Jour de l’an will be celebrated in France on 2023-01-01 2024-01-01 2025-01-01 2026-01-01 2027-01-01 in the comming years.