French Language Day

French Language Day History

French Language Day aims to promote the use of the French language and to encourage respect and understanding between differing cultures and linguistic groups. The day aims to increase awareness of and promote the French language, one of the six official languages of the UN, and its contribution to global heritage and culture.

The origins of French Language Day date back to 2010, when it was first established by the UN to celebrate linguistic diversity and to promote the use of its six official languages equally. For Kiwis, the link between New Zealand and the French-speaking world is primarily historical, cultural, and scholarly. New Zealanders are encouraged to acknowledge French Language Day due to the influential French culture, from café culture to cinema, to literature, to politics, it reminds us of the varied cultural experiences we can enjoy through language learning.

French Language Day in New Zealand is celebrated in various ways from learning French phrases, to tasting French cuisine, and experiencing French art and culture. Educational institutions, cultural organizations and francophone communities across New Zealand often host events like workshops, competitions, and exhibitions to recognize the French language and its cultural influence. Just like any other UN language days, French Language Day happens on a fixed date, the 20th of March, universally without variation specific to New Zealand.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 French Language Day in NZ

• The Francophone Film Festival is a major highlight of the month-long celebrations across Aotearoa, featuring high-profile screenings such as the recent adaptation of Le Comte de Monte Cristo and the animated adventure Asterix and Obelix au service de sa Majesté in cities like Palmerston North.
• The historic Highwic house in Auckland will host a traditional French Market on March 28, offering local francophiles a chance to experience authentic charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and live performances by local artists.
• Wellington’s celebrations for Le Mois de la Francophonie include a notable concert by the award-winning French harpist Kevin Le Pennec, who is touring New Zealand to showcase a blend of traditional Breton music and modern jazz.
• The South Island town of Akaroa remains a focal point for interest due to its unique status as the only attempted French settlement in New Zealand, where the original 1840 land claims still influence the town’s distinct architecture and French street names like Rue Balguerie.
• Local literary events are featuring New Zealand author Jennifer Andrewes, who is discussing her book The Only Way Is Up: On Foot to Rome alongside French author Katia Astafieff to explore the deep connections between travel, language, and personal identity.
• The observance also highlights the scientific legacy of early French explorers like Jules Sébastien César Dumont d'Urville, who mapped significant portions of the coastline and gave his name to landmarks such as French Pass and D'Urville Island.
• Auckland’s Culture Fest 2026 on March 29 will feature a dedicated French-themed pavilion, where visitors can participate in a pétanque tournament and learn about the linguistic influence of Bishop Pompallier, the first Catholic bishop in New Zealand.
• Modern celebrations of the language in New Zealand frequently highlight the nation's strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with its Francophone Pacific neighbours, specifically the territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

In the News and Trending in NZ for French Language Day

Top things to do in NZ for French Language Day

• Learn how you can support the International Organization of La Francophonie. La Francophonie is an organization that promotes French and aims to implement political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation within its 88 states and governments.
• Visit French Restaurants: Celebrate the day by enjoying some French cuisine at traditional French restaurants or bakery-cafes such as La Fourchette in Auckland or Le Cordon Bleu in Wellington.
• Read a book to learn more about the French language:
  French All-in-One For Dummies - by Consumer Dummies
  Living Language French, Complete Edition - by Living Language
  Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It - by Gabriel Wyner