Definition
A celebration or party, often held to mark a special occasion or holiday.
Example
La fête du village attire des gens de partout.
Show translation
The village festival attracts people from everywhere.
Etymology
From Old French *feste*, from Latin *festa* (plural of *festum*, "feast, festival"), from *festus* ("festive, joyful"). Related to English *feast* and *festival*, which share the same Latin root.
Cultural note
July 14th is **le 14 juillet** — France's national holiday, commonly called **la Fête Nationale** (and informally *le quatorze juillet*). It commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789. The day is marked by military parades on the Champs-Élysées, fireworks (*feux d'artifice*), and outdoor public dances called *bals des pompiers* (firefighters' balls). The word *fête* is also used in a uniquely French Catholic tradition: each day of the year is assigned a saint's name, and people celebrate their own *fête* (name day) in addition to their birthday. **False friend warning:** English "fate" looks similar but is completely unrelated — it comes from Latin *fatum*.