Fête

Origin

Middle English fete, from Middle French, from Old French feste

• 15th Century

The English word fête, pronounced /ˈfeɪt/ (FAYT) or /ˈfɛt/ (FET), is derived from the French Fête, meaning "holiday" or "party".

Definitions

• 1: festival
• 2a : a lavish often outdoor entertainment

b : a large elaborate party

Description

Village fêtes are common in Britain, although their numbers are declining. These are usually outdoor shows held on village greens or recreation grounds with a variety of activities. They are organised by an ad hoc committee of volunteers from organisations like religious groups or residents' associations. In Australia, fêtes are often held yearly by schools and sometimes churches to raise funds.

Attractions seen at village fêtes include raffles, coconut shies, bat a rat stalls, white elephant stalls, cakes, and home produce such as jams and pickles. Entertainment may include Morris dancing, tug of war, fancy dress and pet shows. The American and Canadian equivalent would be a county or city fair.

Harvard University's Eliot House uses the term to refer to its spring formal. In Trinidad and Tobago and other English-speaking Caribbean territories, fêtes are huge parties held during the Carnival season.[1]