French Holiday Traditions
Because I always get questions around this time of the year about French or Provençal holiday traditions, I decided I would give a (non-exhaustive) tour of some key holiday traditions from my home region. Do you know any? I dove in greater details during one of our BFF Club conversations. You may join our group anytime if you’re interested in learning tidbits of French culture or want to practice some French in a friendly and safe space!
First of all, the fêtes de Noël in Provence actually start on December 4th (Sainte Barbe) and end on February 2nd (Chandeleur). So we get a nice, long period to celebrate together, with family and friends.
However, not everyone in Provence follow the Provençal traditions — my family for example is a blend of Southern France, Northern France and Italian cultures, so we follow some and have our own traditions too.
If you’re ever in Provence during the holidays, here is what you can expect to see or celebrate during the fêtes de fin d’année, besides Christmas and New Year's Eve:
LES MARCHÉS DE NOËL
(Christmas Markets)
They showcase the work of talented artisans, from ornaments, to jewelry, handmade accessories, santons… I love to check them out, get a glass of vin chaud and some chestnuts and slowly walk (we say "flâner") from booth to booth.
I personally love to go to the Marché de Noël d’Aix en Provence.
photo credit: Yael Boutroix
LA CRÈCHE ET LES SANTONS
The santons are small handcrafted and intricately painted clay figurines which depict Biblical and Provençal scenes and make the crèche (Nativity scene). In every church or tourism office during Christmastime, you'll see a beautiful crèche in display (in many households too, including my parents').
Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the magi are there, surrounded by the village’s inhabitants: pétanque players (the Marseille edition!), fish merchants, bakers, shepherds... The santon of baby Jesus is typically covered with cotton until the morning of December 25th.
L’ÉPIPHANIE
On the first Sunday of January comes the Epiphanie or Fête des Rois. It symbolizes the visit of the Rois Mages to baby Jesus.
And for most of us, it is an occasion to gather with family or friends and eat some more (in case we didn't have enough) with la galette des rois (the kings’ cake).
Have you tried la brioche (traditional from the South) or la frangipane (the rest of France)? What did you think?
LES VOEUX
(Season's Greetings)
Early January is also the time we send les meilleurs voeux (season’s greetings). Unlike Americans who send their holiday cards in December, the French will wait until the new year to wish their close friends and family “bonne année et bonne santé” (happy and healthy new year).
Another difference: traditionally, the French greeting cards don’t have family photos on them, only words (oftentimes handwritten).
What are your favorite holiday traditions? I’d love to know!
Wishing you all joy, peace and love for this last bit of December and the year that’s to come.