subject: Le Nouvel An, A Typically French Celebration [print this page] Paris is undoubtedly one of the best known cities in the world, a globally recognized centre of business and culture, with a strong influence on education, politics, entertainment, fashion, media, the arts and science. The Paris urban area is Europes second largest city economy and the fifth largest worldwide. The city area has been inhabited for many centuries, with an eventful and dramatic history. Paris is one of the most popular destinations for tourism, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
The New Year, known locally as Jour des Etrennes, is celebrated with great joy throughout France. One of Frances oldest festivals, the New Year is welcomed in vibrant fashion with many special customs and traditions. The New Year holidays extend till January 6, on which day a special kind of cake called galette des rois is cut and enjoyed by the family members.
New Years Eve, referred to as la Saint-Sylvestre, is celebrated with a festive feast known as le Rveillon de Saint-Sylvestre, traditionally featuring such items as foie gras, pancakes and champagne. This special meal is supposed to bring prosperity to the household in the coming year.
In France New Year is usually a private occasion when people enjoy dining with their loved ones and often participate in a ball known as une soire dansante. In the south-western region of France people often attend evening mass and form a torchlight procession to the vineyards to enjoy the wine of the region.
The French enjoy every moment of New Years Day and are in high spirits throughout the holiday. Gift giving is also a part of the celebrations and the French enthusiastically exchange presents, the custom being considered auspicious. Lately there has been a trend towards enjoying a river cruise during New Year.
Paris is the scene for the exciting New Years Day parade, a tumultuous two-day festival. Performers in their thousands dancers, singers and entertainers provide a grand spectacle. The procession winds its way through the streets of the capital, passing through Chantilly and ending in Trocadero under the Eiffel Tower.
If you desire a luxury hotel in Paris, there is no finer choice than Le Royal Monceau, Paris France. This Paris luxury hoteloffers its customers unequalled comfort and convenience, just minutes away from the iconic Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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