Apart from the well known Mardi Gras, the nearest French equivalent to Pancake Day is the ‘Fête de la Chandeleur’ (Candlemas) on 2nd February.
This French tradition of serving a frangipane filled tart known as the ‘galette des rois’ (or the ‘gateau des rois’ in the South of France) on, or around the 6th January, (the first Sunday of each New Year) actually dates back to the 14th century.
A santon is a small figurine, usually made out of clay and used in nativity scenes.
A pre-Covid look at New Year’s Day in Collioure
Cure the hang over and kick start the new year with a brisk dip in the Med with swimming club la Palme catalane in Canet en Roussillon at 11.30am
YOU MIGHT SAY……
Bonne Année !Bonne année et bonne santé….. Je te/vous souhaite une joyeuse année Tous nos (mes) voeux pour la nouvelle année Bonne et Heureuse Année Joyeuses fêtes ! Meilleurs vœux ! Que tous tes/vos voeux se réalisent en 2017
December 28th is a religious holiday in Spanish-speaking countries.
This French Christmas character, the ‘whipping father’, said to accompany Santa on his rounds on 6th December, is fortunately no longer heard of much in French tradition.
Franco believed Sardane dancers were passing on coded messages with their feet!
These pooey Catalan traditions may shed some light on the popular Catalan saying
“menja bé, caga fort i no tinguis por a la mort!” (Eat well, poo strong and don’t be afraid of death!)
