The History of the Louvre Museum
December 8, 2013

Holiday Traditions in Europe

éclairages Champs Elysées 2011 OTCP

éclairages Champs Elysées 2011
OTCP

Thanksgiving normally marks the beginning of the holiday season in the United States, but in Europe they start celebrating it around the middle of November. Christmas markets and festivals are very popular in France and towns spare no expense decorating the streets with beautiful lights. The holiday season is a great time for a Paris apartment rental, as the biggest Christmas markets in France are located there, including; the Market on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the Market at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Market at the Montparnasse Tower.

Christmas festivities in France usually begin on the on the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the Advent. Catholics celebrate a tradition called The Feast of Saint Nicolas on December 5th and 6th and families exchange presents. In some parts of the country, this celebration is bigger than Christmas day! The possibility of experiencing these cultural differences can make property for sale in Paris, the heart of Europe, a very tempting proposition.

December 13th is Santa Lucia Day in Scandinavia, and candlelit vigils are held to commemorate the coming of light. All over Europe, December 25th is similar to America, with family gatherings and time spent at home. In France, Santa Claus is called Le Père Noël and Christmas trees are not as popular as they are in the States.

A number of European countries celebrate the 12 days of Christmas following the 25th December and ending on January 6th, when it is said that the Three Wise Men finally were able to deliver their gifts to baby Jesus. January 6th is known as L’Épiphanie in France. The French celebrate by eating cakes called Galettes des Rois, a tradition that dates back to the 14thcentury. The tradition varies, but it is said that you make three cakes and one cake has a little figurine, or baby king hidden inside. The person who gets the cake with the king inside will have good luck in the New Year!

In Italy,  they also celebrate The Epiphany, and on January 5th, a “good witch” named “La Befana” flies over all of Italy, giving children either candy or coal. La Befana dates back to ancient Roman times and it is thought that she refused to help the Three Wise Men when they asked for directions to Bethlehem. She felt guilty after realizing who the baby might be, so she set out to find baby Jesus and give him bread. Throughout her journey, she would stop and give bread to any baby that she thought might be him. This is how she evolved to become a symbol of giving during the holiday season.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication, starts on November 27th this year, and lasts until December 5th. It is celebrated over 8 days to recognize the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The dates of Hanukkah vary each year depending on the Hebrew calendar. London is holding one of the largest Menorah ceremonies in Europe at Trafalgar Square, where there will be live performances and free donuts! Each night a new light will be added to the Menorah.

Handsome Properties International embraces all cultures and religions. Our clients are diverse and unique and they use travel as a tool to enhance the world around them. Contact us today to start planning your holiday getaway to France, Italy or Spain. As a relocation specialist, we can even help with the France visa application process, for those wanting to stay long term. To view our listings you can visit our website.

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