fête

A fête is a public celebration or festival, typically marked by social gathering, entertainment, food, drink, and sometimes religious rites. Fêtes can be secular or religious and are often organized by municipalities, churches, schools, charity groups, or community associations. They may function as community celebrations, fundraising events, or occasions to mark a holiday or local tradition.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from the French fête, which itself stems from Latin festum meaning feast. In French, fête denotes any festive occasion, from a national holiday to a village party. In English, fête is usually borrowed with its French spelling and refers to a community or charitable event, though the verb form to fête exists and means to honor or celebrate someone with a formal event.

Contexts and forms: Fêtes are common in many cultures and can range from street fairs and charity bazaars to church fêtes and school carnivals. Typical elements include stalls or booths, games, music, performers, and food or drink. The concept is closely related to but distinct from a festival (often a multi-day program of performances) and a gala (a formal fundraising event). In French-speaking regions, fêtes can be national, religious, or local, such as national holidays, saints’ days, or seasonal fairs.

See also: festival, carnival, fair, gala, celebration, fête de bienfaisance.