France Pavilion Presents 'Fete de la Musique' June 21

'Fete de la Musique' originated in France and is known internationally as World Music Day.

The Shanghai Expo has bought together cultural elements from each participating country in one of China's largest cities. As such, French culture is thriving in the France Pavilion.

Andrea Hunt is in Shanghai with more.

The pavilions at the Shanghai Expo have realized that developing cultural connections through music is an incredibly effective way of reaching visitors, most of whom are Chinese nationals.

France Pavilion Director Mr. Franck Serrano explains that 'Fete de la Musique' was the perfect way to introduce visitors to the French spirit, given that music is an international language.

Benoit Epaule is from France and attended some of the musical performances at the pavilion.

He gives some insight into what the musical festival is.

"The 21 of June is the first day of summer, and to celebrate this we hold the Fete de la Musique in France."

More specifically, 'Fete de la Musique' started about twenty years ago and marks the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. This year it falls on June 21.

In France, it's known as a time when any musician, whether amateur or professional, can take to the streets and play his own tune. Nothing is off limits when it comes to instruments, Serrano explains. People can even be spotted on the streets clashing spoons, banging pots and pans, and blowing whistles.

Mr. Serrano felt that transporting this event to China was a great way of reflecting genuine French culture.

Serrano was keen to share some 'Fete de la Musique' memories from his youth in the south of France.

"There were maybe two streets in the village with music everywhere, so all the kids felt very excited about it. It also took place at a time when you weren’t so busy at school. Your parents would take you into the city with them at night, and you could enjoy a party atmosphere with the whole community."

French and Chinese visitors alike came to see what all the commotion was about. All were impressed by the diversity of acts, which included the singing of "Champs-Elysees" and dance performances in the pavilion's central garden.

A small brass band helped to set the mood, while a number of performers followed suit with cinematic songs reminiscent of Paris.

Solene Navarre is from a small city near Toulouse in France. She came to check out the pavilion's National Day musical festivities.

She says the atmosphere at the Expo is somewhat different to that on the streets of France.

"It's a new experience, it's kind of strange because people here are so quiet, so calm; but in France, we jump, we dance."

She did concede that the night was still young, adding with a smile that she would have to wait and see how the festivities developed.

Tourist Harry Chow was on Day 3 of his Expo visit and stopped to check out the action.

"I am a Hong Kong resident and I'm here because I like French culture and I am interested in French culture."

At the Shanghai Expo, a flavor of France is in the air with China's 'Fete de la Musique'.

For CRI, I'm Andrea Hunt in Shanghai.