March 20
French Language Day
A cultural observance on March 20 celebrating the French language's history, culture, multilingualism, cultural diversity, and its equal use among the UN's six official languages.
United Nations Department of Public Information
International Body Recognition
The United Nations Department of Public Information established the observance in 2010 as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the history, culture, and achievements of the UN's six official languages. The first observance on March 20, 2010, coincided with the 40th anniversary of the predecessor to the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Introduction
Celebrate French Language Day on March 20th and embrace the beauty of the language! French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 220 million people speaking it across all five continents. It has a history that dates back to the 6th century, when it was first used as a lingua franca between European countries. With its elegant syntax, melodious accents and rich culture, it's no wonder that French is still celebrated today. So why not join in the festivities and learn a few words or phrases in this beautiful language?
French Language Day Timeline
How to Celebrate French Language Day
1
Learn a French phrase
Take some time to learn a new French phrase every day. Whether it’s a greeting, an expression, or an idiom, learning a new phrase is always exciting and can be a great way to practice your French skills.
2
Host a French movie night
Pop some popcorn and pick out a French film for the evening. This can be a great opportunity to watch something in French with friends or family and learn about the culture.
3
Write poetry in French
Writing poetry in French can be an excellent way to express yourself and enhance your language skills. Whether it’s writing your own original work or translating an existing poem, this is a great way to celebrate French Language Day.
4
Listen to Francophone music
Take some time to listen to some Francophone music from around the world. There is plenty of music from France, as well as other countries that speak French such as Belgium, Canada and Switzerland.
5
Visit a Francophone city
If you have the opportunity to travel, why not take a trip to one of the many Francophone cities around the world? From Paris to Montreal, there are plenty of cities where you can explore and experience the culture firsthand.
Why We Love French Language Day
French is rich in culture
The French language has a rich and fascinating history - from its Latin origins to the influence of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Through art, literature, and music, the French language reflects centuries of history and culture that should be celebrated!
French is widely spoken
French is not only the official language of France, but it's also spoken in many other countries around the world including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and several African nations. Plus, it's even an official language of the United Nations!
Learning French can open up new opportunities
By learning the French language, you can gain access to exciting new career opportunities such as being a translator or interpreter. Knowing French can also help you better understand cultures where French is commonly spoken, giving you a greater appreciation for other cultures and ways of life.
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Monday | |
| 2024 | Wednesday | |
| 2025 | Thursday | |
| 2026 | Friday | |
| 2027 | Saturday |
