The Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States is proud to announce the return of the annual French Cultures Festival, taking place from March 20th to April 20th across three states in the Southwest. This much-loved celebration spotlights the many Francophone and Francophile communities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and shares their unique heritage through a variety of free arts and education activities.
Over 50 events planned throughout the month
Coordinated by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, the 50+ events that make up the French Cultures Festival will be organized by cultural institutions, educational organizations, and artists with connections to the French speaking world. Drawing thousands of attendees throughout the month, events range from art exhibitions, dance, theater, and music performances, cinema, literature, conferences and lectures, workshops and language classes, and gastronomy experiences.
See a full list of events here.
The festival serves as a platform for French-speaking communities to showcase their unique traditions, arts, and linguistic nuances, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the French language and its global cultural influence, as well as a deeper sense of identity and pride among Francophones and Francophiles alike.
Kick-off event on March 22nd in Houston with writer Alain Mabanckou
Celebrate the launch of the French Cultures Festival on March 22nd at Discovery Green in downtown Houston! The event’s program includes family-friendly soccer games, a talk with award-winning writer Alain Mabanckou, and an open-air movie screening of Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain). Press may RSVP to juliette.richoux@frenchculture.org
Information about the kick-off event here.
Language as a source of unity and mutual understanding
The French language is spoken by nearly 321 million people worldwide, and over 61% of them are in Africa. Uplifting French language speakers is therefore a meaningful way to celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity that makes up the world. Each year on March 20th, the United Nations, alongside with the International Organization of La Francophonie, celebrate the official Francophonie Day in this spirit. The French Cultures Festival starts on the official Francophonie Day as a symbol of international diversity.