Why does eastern France celebrate Saint-Nicolas on December 6?

The historic areas of Flanders, Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne and Franche-Comté are the main parts of France to celebrate Saint-Nicolas in France.

He is usually depicted as a bishop with a white beard accompanied by donkeys, and who brings gifts for children.

The tradition is said to date back to the Battle of Nancy in 1477.

The Duke of Lorraine, René II, led his army into battle with the Duke of Burgundy (Charles le Téméraire or Charles The Bold), having asked for protection from Saint-Nicolas. 

René II won the battle and since then, Saint-Nicolas has been celebrated in nearby regions - including in the city of Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle) itself. 

Celebrate the fêtes de Saint-Nicolas in Nancy

The city launched its festivities on November 24, with a series of market stalls, an ice rink, and light installations which will be in place until January 4.

However, this Saturday and Sunday (December 6 and 7) marks the grand week-end de Saint-Nicolas. 

This year the celebration is inspired by the Roaring Twenties, with brass bands, poetry performances, film screenings, theatre performances, DJ sets and much more. 

The Grand Parade will take place on December 6 at 17:30, followed by a 'key ceremony' (where the city keys are passed from the mayor of Nancy to Saint-Nicolas) and a fireworks display. 

Who was Saint-Nicolas? 

The Saint himself is said to be based on a real person, Nicolas de Myre - also known as Nicolas de Bari - a bishop born in the 3rd Century, in what is present-day Turkey.

The bishop was known for protecting children, widows, and vulnerable people, and celebrated as a kind and generous man. 

During his life, he was the victim of persecution by the Roman emperor Diocletian, and was imprisoned and forced into exile.

Soon after his death on December 6 in the year 343, miracles were attributed to the bishop’s spirit, and he became known as Saint-Nicolas, patron saint of children, sailors, unmarried people, and prisoners.

His saint's day, la fête de la Saint Nicolas, is celebrated by many Christians around the world  on December 6 - especially in many central and eastern European countries, including Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, Belgium, and some parts of France.

As the story goes, on the night of December 5, he enters people’s houses down the chimney, and gives presents to good children. 

Typical gifts include apples, dried fruit, chocolates, and a traditional kind of gingerbread baked into the shape of the bishop himself.

In some areas, such as Alsace and Moselle, local bakeries prepare brioche-style treats called Le Mannele, which are shaped into the form of a bishop and are sometimes flavoured with raisins or chocolate chips.

A darker character,  le Père Fouettard (Whipping Father), is sometimes seen to be travelling with Saint-Nicolas. He gives gifts such as coal, potatoes, beetroots, and onions to badly behaved children.