Happy (French) New Year!

Well, it’s that time of year again. In Paris, the party is at the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Elysees, the famous avenue. 1.5 million people are expected to gather in that area, according to the Interior Minister. Then, of course, at midnight, there will be a short fireworks display — Paris’ mayor Anne Hidalgo is focusing on going green, so less is more. The city has also banned cars from the four central arrondisements so folks can run (walk) rampant to celebrate the New Year.

It turns out that New Year’s Eve traditions in France are similar to what we do in the U.S.:

Kissing under the mistletoe

Photo by Paul Zoetemeijer on Unsplash

In France, mistletoe is gui, which is funny to me because gui is also a Chinese word that means ‘expensive’. Like the U.S., kissing under the mistletoe is also an old tradition in France. And I discovered this little factoid: it turns out that mistletoe is grown all over Europe, and France is a major exporter of it.

New Year’s Eve meal

from an email from the Grande Épicerie in Paris with New Year's Eve offerings

I’ve mentioned this before: in France, there is a big celebration meal on New Year’s Eve (and Christmas Eve) called the Réveillon. It usually includes the crème de la crème of seafood and other treats like foie gras (oh, how I love it!).

Presidential address

Ever since Charles de Gaulle was president, French leaders have addressed the nation with a televised speech on New Year’s Eve. Emanuel Macron is no exception. (Side note: Did you know that I am more than a year OLDER than the French President? Like I could be running a country?? My campaign platform would be ‘pain au chocolat for all!’)

2023 saw a lot of protests. Photo by ev on Unsplash

This year, Macron’s message is focused on unity… because there has been a lot of division. 2023 has been a tough year for the French President, who has been criticized for some of his policies, from the changing retirement age to immigration reform to some of his foreign policies. In fact, for tonight’s celebration, 90,000 police officers will be out on the streets to try to keep some order during these tense times.

Looking ahead to 2024

Photo by Luca Dugaro on Unsplash

Well, the biggest event for France in 2024 is, of course, the Olympic Games. They’ll take place from July 26 until August 11 in Paris, except for the surf competition, which will take place in French Polynesia (!!).

I, for one, would avoid Paris like the plague at this time. In fact, people have been advised — even this far ahead — to work from home during the Olympics because, I believe, they know it will be a shit show.

Scan this QR code to get the Olympic countdown:

Well, that’s a wrap for 2023. I am so grateful that Substack exists so that I can keep writing about France. Thank you to all who’ve subscribed or read one article or sent a message of support. Here’s wishing you all a bonne année for 2024!