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We are always adding to this site to make it a comprehensive guide to all things French. - Recent Updates - E-mail Us with Suggestions |
· Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent is called ‘Mardi Gras’ or ‘Fat Tuesday’ in France which comes from the tradition of parading a fat ox through Paris streets to remind people not to eat meat for the next 6.5 weeks til Easter. · In France, pancakes/crepes/galettes are not served on this day like other parts of the world but on La Chandeleur, the Catholic holy day 40 days after Christmas (on 2 February) when Jesus was first presented at the temple by Mary. . Chandeleur is also called Fete de la Lumiere or crepe day. One tradition that goes with the day is to hold a coin in your writing hand and a crêpe pan in the other, and flip the crêpe into the air. If you manage to catch the crêpe in the pan, your family will be prosperous for the rest of the year. · During Mardi Gras, people disguise themselves putting on crazy masks. The Carnival in Nice goes for 10 days. |
