French Holidays
- Bastille Day (July 14)
This is the day of the year that French people celebrate their country's independence. It is very similar to the US's Independence Day, July 4th. Bastille Day is known as Fête Nationale in France. It is celebrated with fireworks, art festivals, large social gatherings, and a huge military parade that travels up the Champs Elysées in Paris.
- Mardi Gras
This holiday celebrates the end of fasting for Lent. It is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday ('Mardi Gras' means 'fat Tuesday'). The French celebrate with masked balls and lots of food and festivities.