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In United Kingdom, Britain and some of its former colonies, fêtes are traditional public festivals, held outdoors and organised to raise funds for a charity. They typically include entertainment and the sale of goods and refreshments.


Village fêtes

Village fêtes are common in Britain. 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. Fêtes can also be seen in former British colonies. In Australia, fêtes are often held yearly by schools and sometimes churches to raise funds. Attractions seen at village fêtes include Tombola (raffle), tombolas, raffles, Coconut shy, coconut shies, bat a rat, bat a rat stalls, White elephant sale, white elephant stalls, cakes, and home produce such as jams and pickles. Competitive baking, such as making Victoria sponge cake, is part of the classic British fête. Filmed in bunting-draped marquees in scenic gardens, ''The Great British Bake Off'' television series is inspired by the quintessential English village fête."The Great British Bake Off: it's like a village fete in your sitting room"
The Telegraph. Retrieved 25 February 2018 Entertainment at fêtes may include Morris dance, Morris dancing, tug of war, fancy dress, and pet shows. The fête itself is a variation of a fair.


Other types

In Trinidad and Tobago and other Commonwealth Caribbean, English-speaking Caribbean territories, fêtes are huge parties held during the Carnival season. Harvard University, Harvard University's Eliot House uses the term to refer to its spring formal. Bloomington, Minnesota's, Independence Day celebration (traditionally held on 3 July) has been known as Summer Fete since 1978. In Australia, fetes are typically held by primary schools & other not-for-profit organisations (e.g. the local Seniors' Club, church groups) as fundraisers.


Etymology

The English word ''fête'', pronounced or , is borrowed from the Mediaeval Latin via the French language, French , meaning "holiday" or "party".The New Oxford Dictionary of English (1998). . p. 677 – "fête noun ''Brit.'' a public function, typically held outdoors and organised to raise funds for charity...". The 12th-century Middle English root ''fest-'' is shared with ''feast'', ''festive'', ''festal'' and ''festival'', ''festoon'', the Spanish language, Spanish , Portuguese language, Portuguese , etc. and the proper name ''Festus (disambiguation), Festus''.


See also

*Kermesse (festival), Kermesse *''Village Fête'', a painting by Claude Lorrain


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fete Fairs