

Fête de la Musique in Paris is a pretty epic event to behold. Where to celebrate Fête is entirely up to you, but might I recommend Paris, for starters. (For a more in-depth exploration of the holiday’s origins, the French government’s website offers a detailed history.) Where to celebrate Fête? With its origins in France, Fête de la Musique (called “Music Day” in some English-speaking countries) is now celebrated globally in over 100 countries.
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When the idea of Fête came to fruition, it was mandated that all concerts were to be free to public listeners and that the musicians would not receive compensation for their performances.Īnd thus, the idea of Fête de la Musique was born. So, Fleuret, a Director of Music and Dance (as appointed by Lang), envisioned such an event to provide: “the music everywhere and the concert nowhere.” It was to be a music “revolution.” The proof was in the pudding: French people love and respect music.

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The catalyst for this celebration was, in part, due to an interesting statistic from a study of French cultural practices that Fleuret came across, which stated that 1 out of 2 French people knows how to play a musical instrument. In 1981, then-French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, decided along with Maurice Fleuret that they should institute an all-day music celebration on the day of the summer solstice, June 21. The plethora of concerts and performances which take place during Fête are all free and open to the public, making the events and celebrations all the more accessible to anyone who wants to join.

The French are known for their honoring of the arts, and this is one of the many ways in which they do it so well. It elevates the arts to an entire day of celebration and holds them in such high esteem. The holiday is so French, in the best possible way. Free mini-concerts and full-blown concerts can be found in every pocket of Paris, for one night only. It is a night to promote music by encouraging everyone to participate – as a performer, a listener, or simply, a spectator. Held annually on June 21, Fête de la Musique (or simply, “Fête,” as it is commonly called), is a celebration throughout France (and the world) which honors the celebration of – and reveling in – music, arts, and culture. Fête de la Musique: A Brief History & Events to Attendīy Anne McCarthy What is Fête de la Musique?
