Did you know: why May 8 is a public holiday in France?

Published by Caroline de Sortiraparis, Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on May 5th, 2023 at 08:10 p.m.
One week after May 1st, comes May 8th. But do you remember why this day is also a public holiday in France? We tell you.

In May, there are many holidays in France. There is of course the 1st of May, whose origin is known to all, but also the 8th of May. And there, you have to call upon your childhood memories to remember exactly why this day is above all historical in France, but also a holiday.

May 8 refers to May 8, 1945, which marks the end of World War II in Europe. On that day, the Allies won the war and Nazi Germany surrendered. On May 8, 1945, at 3:00 p.m., the bells began to ring throughout the country. " The war is won. Here is the victory...", announced General de Gaulle in a message on the radio.

The representatives of the German High Command then signed a new act of surrender in Berlin on May 8, 1945 at 11:01 p.m. in the presence of the representatives of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the United States, the United Kingdom and France.

May 8 was declared a public holiday on March 20, 1953. But on April 11, 1959, the famous General de Gaulle decided to abolish the holiday in a context of Franco-German reconciliation. It was not until 1981 and the arrival of François Mitterrand to the presidency of the Republic that the date of May 8 was re-established as a public holiday, with a law dated September 23, 1981.

As for the 11th of November, commemorations and tributes to the victims of this war take place in France on May 8th. The President of the Republic usually drives up the Champs-Élysées avenue to the Arc de Triomphe, escorted by the Republican Guard. Surrounded by military leaders and representatives of veterans, resistance fighters and deportees of the Second World War, the head of state also lays a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

visuel Paris visuel  -  jardin du Luxembourg - fontaine Médicisvisuel Paris visuel  -  jardin du Luxembourg - fontaine Médicisvisuel Paris visuel  -  jardin du Luxembourg - fontaine Médicisvisuel Paris visuel  -  jardin du Luxembourg - fontaine Médicis What to do in Paris this bank holiday Monday, May 8, 2023, the best open plans
What to do this Monday, May 8, 2023 in and around Paris? On this new public holiday, many places are closing their doors. To make sure you don't end up in the lurch, Sortiraparis reveals the places that are open and gives you all the tips you need for a pleasant Bank Holiday Monday. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On May 8th, 2022

×
    Comments
    Refine your search
    Refine your search
    Refine your search
    Refine your search