For the second part of this lesson, let’s take a look at words and phrases related to holidays.
Working is good, but sometimes you need some free time to rest and refresh your mind. That is why holidays exist in all of the countries around the world. Let’s discover some famous public holidays in France and the related traditions/activities.
We will start with the list of holidays:
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Next, we have activities people take part in during festivals in France.
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Regarder les feux d’artifice Watch fireworks
In the “Fête Nationale” (National Day) and the “Nouvel An” (New Year), fireworks are displayed in public places and people go in to the streets or gather in tall buildings to watch it.
Regarder le défilé militaire Watch the military Parade
In the “Fête Nationale” (National Day), there is a big military parade that passes down the Champs Elysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Children and adults, French and foreigners alike, enjoy this tradition.
Décorer lesœufs de Pâques Decorate Easter eggs
Like many other Western countries, during the Easter season in France, people decorate Easter eggs.
Acheter du Muguet Buy lily of the valley
The “Fête du travail” (Labour Day) in France is also called the “Fête de muguet.” People usually buy this small but beautiful flower for decoration or give it to friends or family.
Avoir un repas de famille Have a family meal
The “Noël” (Christmas) is a good time for the family to gather and have a meal together. After the meal, the famous dessert that is served is the “Bûche de Noël” (Yule log), a kind of chocolate cake that is formed like a tree branch.
Offrir du chocolat aux amoureux Give chocolate to one’s lover
The typical activity during St. Valentine’s day is giving chocolates to your loved ones.
Envoyer des cartes de vœux aux autres Send greetings cards to others
As in other countries, during holidays like Christmas, people offer greeting cards to family and friends. This is the best time to show how much you love them.
Dialogue
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François: Aujourd’hui c’est Noël les enfants. Préparez-vous pour le repas de famille.
Victor: On va nous offrir des oeufs en chocolat ?
Stéphanie: Mais non, ça c’est pour Pâques ! C’est pour ça qu’on appelle cela les oeufs de pâques !
Victor: Ah oui c’est vrai, j’avais oublié. Et il va y avoir un feud’artifice ?
Stéphanie: Non, le feu d’artifice c’est pour la fête Nationale du quatorze Juillet et pour le jour de l’An.
François: Today is Christmas, children. Prepare yourself for the family meal.
Victor: Will we have chocolate eggs?
Stephanie: No, that’s for Easter! That’s why we call them Easter eggs!
Victor: Oh yes, I forgot. And there will be fireworks?
Stephanie: No, the fireworks are for the National Day of July 14 and the New Year.