March 20

Francophonie Day

A cultural observance on March 20 celebrating the French language by uniting over 320 million speakers worldwide in solidarity, cultural diversity, and shared Francophonie values.

Yearly Date

March 20

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Bonjour! Get ready to celebrate Francophonie Day on March 20, a day dedicated to celebrating the French language and culture. This day was first established in 1970 by the International Organization of La Francophonie and is celebrated by over 274 million people worldwide. French is not only the official language of France, but also many other countries such as Canada, Switzerland, and Haiti. This holiday is a great opportunity to learn more about French culture, cuisine, and language, or to simply appreciate its beauty and influence in the world. Let's spread some joie de vivre on this special day!

Francophonie Day Timeline

1962-1970

The Pre-Francophonie Era

The idea of a worldwide community of French-speaking countries started to emerge during various decolonisation processes around the globe.

1970

Creation of AIF

The Agency for Cultural and Technical Co-operation (ACCT, later the International Organization of La Francophonie) was created in Niamey, Niger.

1990

Conceptualizing Francophonie Day

Congress of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Paris led to proposal of annual celebration of the French language.

1998

First Official Celebration

The first official International Day of Francophonie was celebrated, marking the signing of Niamey Convention in 1970.

Present

Annual Celebration

Every year on March 20, over 300 million French speakers across five continents celebrate their shared language and diversity of the Francophonie.

How to Celebrate Francophonie Day

1 Attend a French film festival

Celebrate the rich culture of the Francophonie by attending a French film festival. Immerse yourself in the language and stories of French-speaking countries through cinema.

2 Cook a traditional French meal

Try your hand at cooking a traditional French meal to celebrate Francophonie Day. From coq au vin to ratatouille, there are countless delicious dishes to choose from.

3 Join a language exchange group

One of the best ways to celebrate Francophonie Day is by practicing your French language skills. Join a language exchange group and connect with native French speakers while learning about their culture.

4 Explore a local French community

If you live near a French community, take the opportunity to explore their culture and traditions on Francophonie Day. From festivals to cultural events, there are many ways to celebrate with the local community.

5 Attend a French language workshop

Expand your knowledge of the French language by attending a language workshop on Francophonie Day. You may learn new vocabulary or improve your pronunciation while having fun and celebrating the Francophonie.

Why We Love Francophonie Day

A celebration of French language and culture

Francophonie Day is a chance to celebrate the rich history, traditions, and diversity of French-speaking countries around the world. It's a day to recognize the beauty and importance of the French language and its cultural impact.

A sense of community and connection

Francophonie Day brings together people from different backgrounds who share a love for the French language and culture. It creates a sense of unity and understanding among diverse communities, fostering friendships and connections globally.

Promotes multilingualism and cultural exchange

By celebrating Francophonie Day, we also promote the importance of learning multiple languages and embracing different cultures. It encourages cultural exchange, understanding, and appreciation while expanding our knowledge and perspectives on the world.