PEAKLIFE

Must visit France to see the Festivals of France

Victor Hugo wisely observed, “Everything being a constant Carnival there is no Carnival left.” In the changing times, an integral part of the cultural heirloom of each country – Festivals- had managed to stay hidden and forgotten as part of history. Festivals always keep up their promises, to celebrate the oneness of the people with their legacy. The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals and France is no exception.

• Bastille Day

History glows red every year on July 14, retracing the step of the Revolution which shook the world, to forgo the chains of tradition and embrace the garlands of freedom. Every year France celebrates the Bastille Prison Break, in the month of July, reminiscing the fall of ancient constraints and above all the victory of courage. The festival, as is its history is the celebration of freedom and commemorates just that with its famed fireworks display against the backdrop of Eiffel Tower, the Military Parade showcased at Avenue Des Champs Elysees and the Fireman’s Ball.

• Cannes Film Festival

The month of May in France announces its arrival with loads of excitement and buzz. The world eagerly sets her eyes in Cannes to witness the most important film festival in the showbiz. Here, the stars descend from the sky to walk the red carpet. Palace of Festivals and Conferences sets up the mystic venue for the festival. Cannes Film Festival is not all about the glamour and gossips. It has a place for all genres of films, selected by a peer group. The Official Selection screens films, entered in various categories for Cannes Awards and the Parallel Sections honour the history and legacy of films.

Cannes Film festival is invitation only, and is reserved for professionals from the film industry. The public however can gain access to Cannes Classics and for open air screenings of films not competing in the festival at the Cinémade la Plage(Cinema on the beach), of which the invitations are made available in the website of Cannes Tourism.

• La Fête de la Musique

Music is the soul of the universe and the world revels together on one day- June 21. Every year people from all over the world flock to witness the largest gathering of musicians, bands and music lovers as they unite to celebrate music. The tradition started by the loved French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang in 1982, it continues to this day and was recognised as World Music Day. The festival is not restricted to any exact genre and the beauty intensifies when people are exposed to the world culture of music. On this day, amateur musicians take to the French streets, and concerts are played for free for the public.

• Medieval De San

It hits as a warm surprise when you are transported back in time to the middle ages. Conducted in the month of May, the Medieval De San festival is really an attempt to turn back the clock. It is not a surprise, as France accommodates the oldest Medieval Castle in Europe and the village of Provins is transformed to a medieval haven complete with re-enactments of historical events and several high end entertainment programmes. The festival renders a fairy-tale story complete with a Medieval Ball and Parades finishing off with a spectacular fireworks display in the Castle courtyard.

• Nice Carnival

The French Riviera comes to life with the arrival of the much awaited carnival in the world. Each year the Nice Carnival proposes a different theme and musicians and dancers flock to the sunny side, to bring more life and fun to the event. The ‘flower battles’a major attraction of the event, are indeed a remarkable sight for the sore eyes. The carnival extends to 15 days and is truly a fairy tale straight out of the book, and leaves you wanting for more.