Chinese New Year: end January - beginning February The Chinese community in Paris, for the most part resident in the 13th “arrondissement”, holds its New Year celebrations. There is a spectacular and colourful parade, with dragons, music and traditional costumes.

Paris Marathon: early April Bringing together as many as 30,000 participants, representing over 70 countries, to cover the famous 42.195 km around the most prestigious points in the capital: from the avenue des Champs-Elysées to avenue Foch, via Bastille, Nation, Vincennes, the Tuileries gardens, etc.

Foire du Trône funfair: end March to end May The “Foire du Trône” was once known as the Gingerbread Fair. It used to be held, from 1957 to 1965, on the cours de Vincennes and took the name Foire du Trône from the nearby avenue du Trône, framed by two columns, that links the place de la Nation to the cours de Vincennes. A huge and celebrated funfair, situated nowadays on the Reuilly field in 12th “arrondissement”, it offers big wheels, spectacular and thrilling rides, traditional roundabouts (wooden horses, dodgems, etc.), haunted houses, shooting ranges to win cuddly toys, sweet stalls, waffles…

Gay Pride: last weekend in June Lesbian, gay, bi and transgender parade. Protest, fun, themed floats and electronic music.

Canal en fête: last weekend in June This “green alternative” celebration has as its setting the Canal Saint-Martin. A mix of musical events, street theatre, toy-swaps for kids, attic sales, a village of associations, big and small, who protect the planet.

Foire Saint-Germain: early June to early July A rich programme for the 6th “arrondissement”: antiques, books, ceramics, poetry, exhibitions, and also theatre and world music and classical concerts and French “chanson”.

La Goutte d’Or en fête: end June - early July Art festival celebrating cultural and ethnic diversity in this neighbourhood in the 18th “arrondissement”, defined by boulevard Barbès, rue Ordener, boulevard de la Chapelle and rue Stephenson. On the agenda: theatre, exhibitions and raï, reggae, rap, gospel or classical concerts. This district’s name dates back to the15th century: at the time its vineyards produced a white wine known as “Goutte d’Or” (“drop of gold”).

Lavagem do Sacré Cœur: early July Procession through Montmartre and ritual washing of the steps of Sacré Cœur, organized by the Brazilian community of Paris. This event is inspired by the festival of the patron saint of Salvador da Bahia. Participants in this joyful procession, with traditional music and costumes, are all dressed in white and carry flowers.

Fête de Ganesh: early September The Indian community of the 10th and 18th “arrondissements” celebrate Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, protector of the home and bringer of luck and prosperity. Don’t miss this exotic and colourful traditional parade, accompanied by musicians, dancers and rituals.

Fête de l’Humanité: second weekend in September Popular festival organized by the Communist party and the newspaper “L’Humanité”, which takes place in La Courneuve, in the north of Paris. Cheap snacks and varied concerts (rock, rap, world music…).

Techno Parade: mid-September Electronic music fills the streets of Paris for this big parade. The young and young-at-heart come here to dance around the numerous floats.

Fête des Vendanges: 1st or 2nd weekend in October Montmartre holds its harvest festival for its little square of vineyards and the arrival of the latest vintage. An opportunity for a cheerful celebration.

“Nuit Blanche” (Sleepless Night): early October Visits of artistic and cultural Paris… by night.

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