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Napoleon III signing with King Radama II

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France is known for being abounding with historical longevity. History isn’t always glamorous and elegant. History can be brutal. French colonization is an ugly truth to how French culture was able to infiltrate countries around the globe. This is especially true when highlighting the history of Madagascar. France was an impeding force to fight, not a positive influence. French colonists were granted claims to Madagascar from Britain. With the intent to conquer their newly acclaimed land, France took total control over the economy, military, and administration. During the French colonization, Radama II was the reigning King of Madagascar. King Radama II was hoaxed into signing documents that entreated Napoleon III land ownership. King Radama II was assassinated in 1863 and Madagascar became an official French colony in 1896. Natives of Madagascar, known as Malagasies, resisted colonization efforts. Movements were created to encourage resistance against the French. However, movements were met with harsh kickbacks. The living conditions of the Malagasies declined as the people’s rights were stripped back. Taxation and abusive labor were enforced. Colonists forced Malagasies to construct roads, railways, and ports along with cultivating crops for the French colony. It wasn’t until 1956 when the national assembly of France adopted a law to better French territories, that Madagascar could introduce universal suffrage. A Malagasy government was able to be constructed and a Declaration of Independence was passed. On June 26th, 1960, the Republic of Madagascar declared itself independent from France. Throughout Madagascar, June 26th is a celebrated national holiday to commemorate the island’s independence.

https://www.madamagazine.com/en/madagaskars-kampf-um-unabhaengigkeit/

https://en.unesco.org/womeninafrica/gis%C3%A8le-rabesahala/pedagogical-unit/2

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There are many countries that speak French around the globe. While they share some likeness of their francophone culture, other aspects vary from country to country. Francophone countries are known to embrace the relationship between food and culture. There is a renowned culture of treating food as art during the preparation and serving. French cuisine emphasizes complexity and richness. Usually having components of meat or fish. Meals bring together families and friends, strengthening bonds between one another. While respect for food is accepted and practiced, the food itself varies depending on what French-speaking country you're in. Neighboring France, Switzerland has a large population that speaks French. The Swiss are famous for indulging in cheese dishes such as Croute au fromage and are also known for their air-cured meats. In Belgium, Liège waffles are not the only well-known food. Boulet à la liégeoise are beef meatballs commonly eaten. The French influence is also apparent in Senegal's cuisine. Thiéboudienne is the country's national dish. It is a fish and rice specialty that originated in the former French colonial capital of Saint-Louis. Whether the food is for celebration or everyday indulgence, the French know that food brings people together and time spent over a good meal should be cherished.

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/gastronomic-meal-of-the-french-00437

https://www.youronlinefrenchteacher.com/francophone-food-going-beyond-french-gastronomy/

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Canada is unsuspectingly rich in French culture. After all, Canada was a French territory from the 1500s to 1763. Francophone culture has continued to be preserved through the centuries and today Canada remains embracing its French influence. Quebec is a hotspot for francophones and is the only province in Canada that is primarily French speaking. However, speaking French ranges Canada-wide. French is Canada’s second official language. Being recognized as an official language allows bilingual immersion programs in schools to embrace the French language. Canada has thousands of French‐language schools for children in primary and secondary school. Quebec is also where a majority of French-language universities operate. French culture in Canada isn’t confined to just academics. Social functions, media, and food all have their own touch of France. Dining in Quebec is heavily influenced by French culture. Poutine remains the most infamous French Canadian cuisine. Though, dishes such as tourtière are enjoyed especially during the winter season. Quebec City's Winter Carnival is an annual event that is enjoyed during the winter months as well. Known as the Carnaval de Québec, the celebration showcases the region's ‘joie de vivre’ with parades, ice sculptures, and traditional French music. French Canadians continue to celebrate and embrace their French roots, allowing opportunities for French exposure nationwide.

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/official-languages-bilingualism/publications/facts-canadian-francophonie.html

https://langster.org/en/blog/exploring-french-culture-in-canada-a-journey/#:~:text=Today%2C%20French%20Canadians%20are%20proud,cuisine%20to%20education%20and%20politics.

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Lowbrow and silly; French standards understated musicals for many years. Though French musicals, such as Les Miserables, gained wild traction, musicals were generally seen as unsophisticated. Additionally, American musicals were difficult to screen in a Parisian crowd due to the language barrier. These social factors withheld popular American culture from the people of France. Theaters focused primarily on operas to entertain. All this stigma changed in the hands of Jean Luc Choplin. After visiting New York’s infamous Broadway, Jean was inspired to bring the bright lights back to France. In 2004, Jean Luc Choplin became the artistic director of the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. He de-emphasized operas and started to integrate Broadway hits into Parisian lives. The Théâtre du Châtelet became the only theater in Paris to hold big English-speaking productions. Complete with French subtitles to ensure language barriers do not transpire. Sold-out crowds gathered to watch adaptations of Grease, Dirty Dancing, and The Lion King. Paris transformed into a prime spot to watch glitzy musicals while still maintaining Parisian elegance. The Théâtre du Châtelet even teamed up with Broadway in 2014 to produce “An American in Paris” and held the world premiere in Paris. Musicals are now a marvel to both American and French cultures, connecting both countries with the beauty and glamor of the performing arts.

https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/musicals-in-paris-a958

https://www.npr.org/2014/01/23/265358255/musical-theater-takes-the-stage-in-paris

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Lyon is the third largest city in France known for its cultural and historical landmarks. Most notably, Lyon hosts the Fête des Lumières (the Festival of Lights). The Festival originated almost 2 centuries ago to honor the Virgin Mary. The people of Lyon sought the Virgin Mary’s protection to get through the plague of the 1600s. In solidarity, a statue of her would be built and celebrated. On December 8th, 1852, the statue of the Virgin Mary was to be inaugurated. Though inclement weather was going to offset the inauguration, the sky cleared just in time. It was another miracle in the name of the Virgin Mary. That night, candles were lit in the windows of residents all throughout Lyon to thank and honor the Virgin Mary. This marked the birth of the Fête des Lumières. While lighting candles on the 8th of December is a long-standing tradition, a more modern approach has been implemented over the past 30 years. Instead of candles lighting up Lyon on the sacred day, LED light projections illuminate several historical landmarks such as the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Place des Terreaux, and the Place Bellecour. Though the light show is a notoriously famous event, candles are still sold and lit for charity to honor the compassion of the Virgin Mary.

https://www.france.fr/en/happening-now-in-france/fete-des-lumieres-lyon