It's nearly there! For more than a year, Paris has remained closed due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. But now, thanks to the vaccines that have emerged, as well as the EU's new
vaccine passport system, the French capital is opening up bit by bit. And just in time too because spring has finally arrived! This May 2021 looks to be as lively as ever! Even though there've been a lot of postponed events, there's still a lot to look forward to in the upcoming month. From holidays to festivals, here what to expect in Paris this May 2021!
May Day (May 1)
May Day, held on the first day of May, is a
French holiday that many anticipate year after year. Why? Because it's what marks the arrival of spring! When this day arrives, streets in Paris liven up with stalls, vendors, street artists, and more, offering up a whole lot of goodies for locals and tourists alike. Granted, this year, because of the global pandemic, you might see fewer of them on the street, there's no denying that Paris will undoubtedly bloom
in springtime. At the same time, May 1 is also France's Labor Day, and over the years, it's the day where many take to the streets and protest against the country's labor laws.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
La Fête de la Victoire (May 8)
Victory Day, also known as '
La Fête de la Victoire' is a European holiday that marks the Allied Forces' victory over the Axis Powers in 1945, marking the end of World War II. Here in France, it's just as big a holiday as Bastille Day with people celebrating as if it was 1945 all over again! It's liveliest along the
Champs-Élysées, with the French flag decorated the sidewalks and a military parade is held every year. This year, however, it's possible that the parade might not push through, but various places throughout the French capital will surely still be in a festive mood!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mother's Day (May 9)
Of course, you can't forget about Mothers' Day! Held every second Sunday of May, this year, it falls on May 9, 2021. Since Paris is a paradise for women, there are countless things you can do for your mom while you're here. First thing's first, if you're on a budget, a beautiful bouquet from any street vendor will charm your mom to high heavens! You can take her shopping to the
best designer outlet stores and give her a new wardrobe full of
French designer labels. Or you can give her a box of sweet macarons from the
best sweets shops in Paris!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Up for some jazz? From May 14 to 25, 2021, the
district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés will practically turn into one huge jazz club thanks to the Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival! Created in 2001, it's a music festival devoted to the smooth stylings of jazz, allowing for big names and up-and-coming artists to show what they got! Countless hotspots throughout the left bank of the Seine River, where Saint-Germain-des-Prés is located, will hold concerts, jazz sessions, and more! Grab your tickets now on the festival's official website. Also, look out for the street artists you might chance upon while you're there!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ ©David McSpadden
La Nuit des Musées (May 16)
Come springtime in Paris, when the days get longer, there comes a night where most of
the city's museums stay open later for everyone to see! It's called the
La Nuit des Musées and this 2021, it will happen on the third Sunday of the month, May 16. On this night, many of the French capital's most famous tourist attractions and art galleries are free for people to visit up until the wee hours of the night. Specifically, around 80 museums take part on this special night, a tradition they've held since 1999!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
'Our World is Burning' Exhibition at Palais de Tokyo (Ending on May 17)
With what's been happening with the world lately, you can easily describe it as the planet 'burning.' At least, that's what a startling exhibition in Palais de Tokyo would convey. Running only until May 17, 2021, don't miss the riveting 'Our World is Burning' Exhibition in Paris! It explores how fire has had a large role in various catastrophes, wars, and other tragedies over the past few years in the 21st century. At a time where climate change and a global pandemic are two of the biggest concerns in the world right now, seeing this exhibition may just open your eyes more to what's been happening!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ ©Coldcreation
Paris is yet to fully open in May 2021 but there are still plenty to look forward to! From a jazz festival to a night where you can visit the city's most famous museums for free, there's so many to do and see this upcoming month!
Whether you attend these Paris events in May 2021 or not, it's better to go for a
luxury homes to make your stay in the French capital worthwhile!
