Hi, it's Rémi. You live in France or you've just arrived, and you often hear about public holidays? Those dates when everything grinds to a halt: classes, administrations, sometimes transport... But have you ever wondered why these days are public holidays? Here's a complete tour of the 11 official public holidays in France, with their history, origin and meaning.
1. January 1 - New Year's Day
It's the first day of the calendar year. In many cultures, this date symbolizes a new beginning, a new stage. In France, it has been a public holiday since the 19th century, mainly to allow people to recover from the New Year's Eve festivities. In the republican tradition, it also marks a day of unity, peace and renewal.
2. Easter Monday - Flexible date (March or April)
The Monday following Easter, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Easter Sunday is a fundamental day for Christians, and Monday has been added as a public holiday to extend the celebrations. It is celebrated in almost all European countries.
3. May 1st - Labour Day
This day pays tribute to the workers' struggles of the 19th century, notably the demand for an 8-hour working day. It is also a day of solidarity between workers. In France, it's the only public holiday with compulsory work and pay, officially introduced after the Second World War.
4. May 8 - Victory of 1945
This day commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe, with the surrender of Nazi Germany. In France, it is a day of remembrance for the victims of the conflict, and a celebration of freedom regained. It is also a reminder of the importance of peace in Europe.
5. Ascension Thursday - Moving date (40 days after Easter)
This Christian feast day celebratesJesus' ascension to heaven, 40 days after his resurrection. It has been a public holiday for centuries, and is observed as a non-working day in most countries with a Catholic tradition. Thursday also allows some people to take the famous "bridge" over the long weekend.
6. Whit Monday - Moving date (50 days after Easter)
Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, considered the birth of the Church. The Monday that follows is a traditional public holiday, although its status has changed in recent years (for a time, it was transformed into a "solidarity day"). Since then, it can be worked or not, depending on the sector.
7. July 14 - National holiday
This is the French national holiday, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789), symbolizing the start of the French Revolution, and the Fête de la Fédération (1790), which celebrated the unity of the French people. It's a highly symbolic day, marked by military parades, fireworks and a strong political and cultural significance.
8. August 15 - Assumption
Religious festival dedicated to the Virgin Mary, celebrated for her elevation to heaven. The Assumption is celebrated mainly in countries with a Catholic tradition. In France, it has been a public holiday since the Empire. For many, it's also a day at the heart of the summer vacations.
9. November 1 - All Saints' Day
A day of remembrance dedicated to all saints, known and unknown. It's also a time when the French pay tribute to their deceased, by putting flowers on their graves. Although the religious feast is centered on the saints, popular tradition links this day to the memory of loved ones who have passed away.
10. November 11 - Armistice of 1918
This day commemorates the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918, when Germany and France signed the armistice. It is a time of commemoration for the soldiers who died for France, with ceremonies in every town and village, notably around the war memorials.
11. December 25 - Christmas
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Although Christmas has become a cultural and commercial celebration, its origins remain Christian. It's a day of family togetherness, generosity and light in the heart of winter. In France, it has been a public holiday since the early 19th century.
And in some regions?
In the departments of Alsace-Moselle, two additional days are public holidays: Good Friday (before Easter) and Saint-Étienne (December 26). Other overseas territories also have their own public holidays linked to local history (such as the abolition of slavery).
