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An in-depth look at essential aspects of Frenchlanguage & culture, including common difficulties, customs, and important events. LF à fond is published every other Sunday and includes lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises to help you master each topic.

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Le Premier Mai

In France, May 1st isn't just a holiday ... it's two holidays!

Laura K Lawless

Apr 30, 2023

Bonjour ! Welcome to the second issue of Lawless French à fond.

You probably know that May 1st is a holiday in France - but did you know that it’s actually two holidays?

le Premier Mai =
la fête du Travail
la fête du Muguet

Both la fête du Travail (Labor Day) and la fête du Muguet (Lily-of-the-valley Day) fall on the first of May, so what’s the deal? This issue of Lawless French à fond has everything you need to know today for tomorrow’s celebrations.

Videos

Watch these videos to learn about the two faces of le 1er Mai while practicing your French listening comprehension. (There’s always a transcript and translation if you need help.)

Bonne fête du Premier Mai ! (B1)

What’s the connection between these two seemingly unrelated holidays?

D’où vient la fête du Travail ? (B2)

The international history of France’s fête du Travail.

Pourquoi y a-t-il une fête du Travail ? (B2)

Adorable animated video about French Labor Day.

Slideshow

📜 Premier Mai, poème de Victor Hugo (C1)

Discover some photos of the renowned French poet while listening to a recitation of his beautiful ode to the 1st of May.

🙋 B1 - B2 - C1 ?

These are three of the six CEFR language proficiency levels.

Lessons

Demonstrations and Strikes

Because it’s Labor Day, May 1st in France is usually marked by workers’ marches and protests, and 2023 is no exception. Here’s some vocabulary to help you make sense of them.