Apologies for the way too long since last update, but I'm now hoping for a daily Mon-Fri quick update and video, so that there's something for your French listening pleasure here regularly.
So today - May 19 - is the fasival of St Yves, patron saint of Brittany, so an excuse for something appropriate. So the national anthem of Brittany is today's choice; Bro gozh ma zadou
This vesion is by Breton folk legends Tri Yann.
The song is of course famililar to many, having the same tune as 'Land of my fathers', the Welsh national anthem. The words are - albeit in Breton rather than Welsh - similar in meaning.
The Breton lyrics were written by Breton nationalist François Jaffrennou who translated the Welsh song into Breton. It became the national anthem in 1903, a mark of friendship and shared culture
Here is a more modern take on the song by Alan Stivell:
While the festival of St Yves is not officially recognised as a 'jour férié' in France, there are moves afoot to increase the recognition of the day, as an international celebration of Breton culture.
2010 sees events taking place in Tokyo, Paris, Beijing and of course, in Brittany. Events are not just limited to today, and have been taking place - officially - from the 14th to the 23rd.
With a wide Breton diaspora and thousands around the world who may not Breton by birth but want to celebrate its culture, it could hopefully become a significant international event. St Patrick's Day celebrates the Irish influence around the world, St David's day is an important day in Wales, and St Andrew's Day marks Scotland's place in the world, so it's probably only right the Brittany gets the recognition it deserves.
More information on fete de la Bretagne here >>
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