French In Our Daily Lives
The French language is so deeply intertwined into the English we speak that we hardly realize it’s there.
You and your fiancé send out wedding invitations asking the recipients to R.S.V.P. We go to a restaurant and order an hors d’oeuvre and a salad without thinking twice about the origin of the words.
French culture, too, has woven its way into our daily life. We see its influence in our food, fashion, art, music, and dance. Now in its 29th year, Santa Barbara’s annual French Festival celebrates this beautiful and multi-faceted culture in a tree-filled park. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the French countryside.
Bringing French Culture to Life
The two-day event coincides with Bastille Day. It offers visitors a small taste of the arts and cuisine of France. Proceeds support theater and literacy programs in Santa Barbara.
Stepping through the gates, you stroll past the booths where local artisans display their wares. You climb the stairs to the Moulin Rouge Stage. There, you’ll see dancers demonstrating everything from the elegant minuet seen in the salons of the 1800’s to the enthusiastic and sometimes bawdy can-can. Be prepared to join in when James and Cynthia from the Historical Ballroom Dance Club at UCLA teach the one-step, a simple dance which lets you express the best of yourself.
Traveling to France Without the Plane Fare
Wandering past replicas of the Mona Lisa (where you can take a selfie with 
your face in the painting) and a miniature Eiffel tower, you reach a tree-shaded expanse. Amidst booths offering food, drink, and factoids about the Festival, Chef Josette’s Café Normandie takes pride of place. She offers an amazing assortment of salads, sandwiches, quiches, breads, and pastries. Grab a snack or an entire meal to enjoy while experiencing a melange of musical entertainment at the Eiffel Tower Stage.
Travel back in time to the French Renaissance. Then meander back to the 21st century by way of a 1930’s cabaret and the Hot Club of France. Artists perform tributes to Classic French music and artists but share some of their original work, and a bit of Cajun and Quebecois.
Medieval Knights Fight for Glory
A safe distance from the idyllic picnic atmosphere, gallant knights don armor to defend their castle’s honor. Armed with mace, axe, and sword, they beat each other into submission for the honor of being named the victor. But with that honor comes another battle. Others are anxious to unseat the current champion. The battles rage throughout the afternoon with the banner changing hands often. The competition is reminiscent of battles enacted today where honor is defended on the fields of football and soccer.
Expanding Your French Language Repertoire
Would you like help learning French? Contact me here or text me at 323-203-2616 for more information.
Feature photo used by permission. Courtesy of Heather Hewes