New Year's Day is this year on January 1, 2024
New Year's Day, known as 'Jour de l\'An' in France, is a widely celebrated holiday that marks the beginning of the new year. It is observed on the 1st of January each year and holds great significance in French culture.
The holiday is often celebrated with gatherings of family and friends, where people come together to share a festive meal and exchange good wishes for the upcoming year. It is a time for reflection, setting new resolutions, and embracing the possibilities of the future.
In France, New Year's Eve, known as 'Réveillon du Nouvel An', is also a major part of the celebrations. It typically involves elaborate dinners, champagne toasts, and festive parties that last until the early hours of the morning.
One of the most famous traditions in France on New Year's Day is the exchange of 'étrennes', which are small gifts or tokens of good luck given to loved ones, especially children.
The holiday is also marked by fireworks displays in many cities and towns across the country. People gather in public squares or along riverbanks to witness the spectacular shows that light up the sky at the stroke of midnight.
Additionally, it is common for people to send New Year's greetings and cards to their friends and family to express their well wishes for the year ahead.