In May, Do As You Please!
In May, a Unique Month for the French
May holds a special significance for the French. It starts with childhood memories of the nursery rhyme “Le Joli mois de mai,” which evokes the gentle arrival of spring. This month also inspires film lovers, thanks to the cult classic “Le Joli Mai” by Chris Marker, which delves into the lives of Parisians in May 1963. But above all, May is a symbol of revolution, social unrest, and renewal.
May: The Month of Revolutions and Protests
May is deeply rooted in French social history. May 1st, Labor Day, is an iconic example. This day is dedicated to celebrating workers, and in France, it is honored in a unique way: by not working. It’s a day of demands, demonstrations, and reflections on workers’ rights. Another key date, May 8th, marks the end of World War II in Europe. It’s a public holiday dedicated to commemorating the sacrifices and victories of that time.
In May, Do What You Like!
May is also synonymous with public holidays. This year, in May, you can enjoy several well-deserved breaks: Monday, May 1st; Monday, May 8th; Thursday, May 18th; and Monday, May 29th. It’s the perfect opportunity to follow the proverb “En mai, fais ce qu’il te plaît” (In May, do what you like), especially with these holidays that allow for extended weekends and planned getaways.
No, the French Are Not the Champions of Public Holidays!
Contrary to popular belief, France is not the country with the most public holidays. In fact, Slovakia holds this record in Europe with 15 public holidays, closely followed by Croatia, Spain, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Malta, each with 14. As for paid vacation, France ranks only 14th globally, far behind Austria.
In May, “Faire le pont”: A Truly French Tradition
May is also synonymous with “faire le pont” (literally “making the bridge”). This expression refers to the practice of taking a day off between a public holiday and the weekend to enjoy an extended weekend. This year, only Thursday, May 18th, allows for “faire le pont,” offering a long weekend extending to Saturday, May 20th. This tradition enables the French to fully enjoy this much-loved month.
Why Are These Days Public Holidays?
The public holidays in May have diverse origins. May 1st is Labor Day, an international day dedicated to workers. May 8th commemorates the Allied victory in 1945 and the end of World War II. May 18th marks Ascension Day, a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter. Finally, May 28th and 29th correspond to Pentecost Sunday and Monday, another important religious holiday. These public holidays highlight that despite France’s secularism, the country maintains traditions that are deeply embedded in its calendar.
Conclusion: In May, Enjoy Every Moment!
In May, in France, there’s always a reason to celebrate, remember, or relax. Whether it’s for “faire le pont,” going on a weekend getaway, or simply enjoying the beautiful days, this month offers numerous opportunities to live at your own pace. So, in May, do what you like!
