Joan of Arc on May 16 and the Armistice Day observances on November 11. Between 19, the end of World War II was marked during the feast of St. May 8 and 9, 1945, were joyous days but it took some time for WWII Victory Day to become established as a day of celebration and a public holiday. It marked the end of a six-year war and the Nazi oppression in France, which resulted in millions of deaths. Church bells rang to communicate and celebrate this message.
BackgroundĬharles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Forces, announced the official end of World War II to the French people on May 8, 1945. This is particularly likely in the center of towns, cities, and near war memorials. Public transport service schedules vary depending on where one lives and intends to travel. However, bakeries and some stores in Paris, as well as at airports and railway stations and along major highways, are open. Restaurants and cafes outside tourist areas may also be closed. WWII Victory Day is a public holiday in France so post offices, banks, and many businesses are closed. In the past, World War II veterans played an important role in the celebrations but many of them are now older and some are unable to perform a public role. The mood on WWII Victory Day is generally joyous but people may also make time to remember family members or others who died during World War II. They also sing patriotic songs and display the French national flag on their homes and public buildings. Many people attend parades and church services on May 8 each year to celebrate the end of World War II and the freedom of France from Nazi oppression. Lessons related to this topic ensure that all generations know what happened during the war and why it is important to preserve everyone's rights in modern society. Schools, colleges and universities spend the period before May 8 focusing on the history of the Nazi oppression and World War II. In 2022, it falls on a неділя, and some businesses may choose to follow неділя opening hours.įlags of the European nations are displayed at some ceremonies on WWII Victory Day. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. It is the anniversary of when Charles de Gaulle announced the end of World War II in France on May 8, 1945. WWII Victory Day ( la fête de la victoire, le jour de la libération) is a holiday to celebrate the end of World War II and the French people's freedom. Business Date to Date (exclude holidays).