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November 20, 2009

Joie de Vivre!

Ecole Bilingue hosts a French festival.

Whether they are obvious or nuanced, the influences that France has on “Nouvelle Orleans” are ubiquitous. One local school, Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orleans (“Bilingual School of New Orleans”), hosted its annual festival to honor all things Francophone: music, culture, food and art. “Fête Francaise” was a one-day ceremony that was held at 821 General Pershing St. on March 21.

Festival-goers and bon vivants were in luck; the weather was warm and sunny and set the tone for a fun-filled day that included performances by bands including Feufollet, 101 Runners, Gravity A and VaVaVoom. Dozens of local restaurants pitched in and set up tents serving delicacies with French flair.

Following the fete, the Alliance Francaise New Orleans celebrated its 25th anniversary at a gala themed “Au Clair de Lune” at Antoine’s restaurant. Son Excellence Pierre Vimont, ambassador of France to the U.S., was the honored guest. Olivier Brochenin, Consul Général of France in Louisiana was also present.

Ecole Bilingue, which is a French immersion school, strives to preserve and enhance Louisiana’s long bilingual tradition through the curriculum of the French Education Nationale.

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