Maybe I’m partial to May, and that could be true. I’ve written about spring before for the French Library, and it seems I have no shortage of words about the seasons in general. I’m a glutton for change and renewal, always a little too excited when endings turn into new beginnings.
But, to me, there is something about May that truly sets it apart as a time of excitement, especially in French and Francophone culture.
For starters, the Cannes Film Festival takes place every May under the French Riviera sun, giving an elite preview into the newest and most exciting international films of the upcoming year. Talk about promise and possibility; Cannes is a reminder that there are great films yet to be seen. Even before trailers are released, we hear whispers from Cannes about groundbreaking performances and 10-minute standing ovations. For someone like me who lives for film, the start of Cannes is like being resuscitated — vital signs return to normal.
Anatomy of a Fall director Justine Triet winning the "Palme d'Or", the top honor of Cannes.
Around halfway through Cannes, another event begins which is sure to stimulate even more celebrity activity and fanfare: Roland Garros, the French Open. Maybe you don’t follow tennis, and I’m willing to forgive you this if you’ll indulge me for a moment. Roland Garros is one of four Grand Slam tournaments — the most prestigious in the tennis ecosystem — and the only one still played on clay courts. It’s an iconic event worldwide and another reason to appreciate the month of May. I’ll admit I’m not a tennis encyclopedia myself — I follow my favorites, cheer when they win, and sigh heavily with the crowd when they make an unforced error. I watch for the thrill of an electric rally and the cutaways of well-dressed socialites in the crowd toting overpriced cocktails.
Aforementioned clay court.
Tennis isn’t the only sport, however, that I’m looking forward to in May. I’ve recently made space in my life for Formula 1 Racing. I’m halfway through the Netflix show, Formula 1: Drive to Survive — my partner finally convinced me to watch after months of my protesting. Me, interested in motor racing? It doesn’t seem likely, and yet there’s something about the speed of the cars as they leave the pit-lane that sends my heart aflutter. It's not just about going fast though; personalities clash, drivers compete against their own teammates, and drama between team principals mirrors an episode of Real Housewives.
Charles Leclerc for Scuderia Ferrari.
On Sunday, May 26th, possibly the most infamous race in the Formula 1 season will take place in Monaco, le Grand Prix de Monaco. The track is dangerously narrow, winding through the city streets. Drivers will spend 78 laps trying to pass each other at speeds over 170 MPH in the hopes of landing themselves on the winners’ podium, victoriously spraying champagne into their open mouths. Influencers and celebrities alike will flock to the stands; this Grand Prix is as much a fashion show as it is a motor racing event.
Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters at the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix.
May is here and these are my three most-anticipated events, but maybe you have different ones. May is a time of graduation, both grade school and college; it’s a time of wedding showers and Cinco de Mayo; Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend. Whatever you choose to celebrate, it’s impossible to deny the beauty of this special time, just on the edge of summer.
At the French Library, we’re also excited for May. We’ll have cooking and baking workshops, a French concert, our Travel Club, and so much more that you can find on our events page. We can’t wait to savor this month with our Francophone community!
Maxine Arnheiter
Administrative Assistant
Maxine discovered her affinity for French language and culture while living with a host family and studying French literature in Rennes, Brittany during her junior year of high school with School Year Abroad. During her time at SYA, her parents took beginner’s classes at the French Library—it was then that Maxine first learned of the library’s existence. Maxine continued with her French studies at Tufts University, majoring in English and French literature with a concentration in visual studies. Along with her time in Rennes, Maxine lived in Paris for a summer where she worked at a small art gallery in the Marais.
Six years after her high school experience in France and a year post college graduation, Maxine is thrilled to be the Administrative Assistant to the French Library, where she hopes to continue learning about and celebrating French culture and literature. In her free time, Maxine enjoys reading, seeing the newest art films at Kendall Square Cinema, and going for runs around the Esplanade.
