February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s filled with wonderful opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate French language and culture with the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando. From cozy winter gatherings and cultural events to movie night, pétanque, and crêpes, this month invites us to slow down, share good food, and enjoy meaningful moments together.
We’re also delighted to start the year on a high note after a wonderful, sold-out Galette des Rois celebration, which brought our community together around one of France’s most cherished traditions. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, February is the perfect time to celebrate love à la française—through language, culture, food, and shared moments with our community.
While there will be no Friday French Chat in February as we take a short winter break, we’re looking forward to welcoming you back on Friday, March 7 for the next edition of Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food, led by Véronique, who will introduce us to the cultural and culinary traditions of Switzerland.
We’re pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Spring 2026 DELF exam sessions, available for children, teens, and adults, as well as the launch of three new adult beginner classes starting in February—perfect timing to fall in love with French this winter.
Finally, we’re happy to add a new section to our newsletter highlighting the birthdays and special milestones of our AFGO team, as we celebrate the people who make our community so special.
We look forward to seeing you throughout the month and wish you a wonderful February with AFGO. Bonne lecture !
Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food
Please note that there will be no Friday French Chat in February as we take a short winter break. But we’ll be back on Friday, March 7, with the next edition of Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food! This upcoming edition will be led by Véronique, originally from Switzerland, who will introduce us to the rich cultural and culinary traditions of her home country. Get ready for another inspiring evening filled with culture, food, conversation, and the warm spirit of the Francophone world. We look forward to seeing you on March 7!
DELF Spring 2026 Exam Session – Registration Now Open!
The Alliance Française of Greater Orlando is pleased to announce its Spring 2026 DELF exam sessions, open to children, teens, and adults. This spring, AFGO will offer DELF Tout Public, DELF Junior, and DELF Prim, with levels from A1 to B2. All DELF diplomas are official certifications issued by the French Ministry of Education and are valid for life.
Exams will take place onsite at AFGO throughout March, April, and May.
To see the complete schedule, exam levels, dates, and registration deadlines, please visit the link below.
WINTER SESSION
To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org
FEBRUARY 07 – Soiree Crepes
We are delighted to invite you to our annual Chandeleur Crêpes Soirée, a celebration of one of France’s most cherished traditions. Join us on Saturday, February 7th, starting at 6:00 PM, for a convivial evening filled with delicious crêpes, French culture, and great company at the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando.
What is La Chandeleur?
Celebrated in France every year on February 2nd, La Chandeleur—also known as Crêpe Day—marks the end of winter and the return of longer, brighter days. Crêpes, round and golden like the sun, are traditionally shared with family and friends as a symbol of good fortune and happiness.
What to Expect
Guests will enjoy freshly prepared crêpes throughout the evening, including:
Savory Crêpes (Crêpes Sarrasin)
Made with buckwheat flour and naturally gluten-free, served with classic toppings such as cheese, smoked salmon, and ham.
Sweet Crêpes
Made with all-purpose flour and topped with favorites like Nutella, strawberries, whipped cream, and more.
Your Ticket Includes
- A selection of savory and sweet crêpes
- Two drink tickets (wine or apple cider)
This is a family-friendly event, perfect for both adults and children.
Pricing
- AFGO Members: $25
- FABCO Members: $25
- General Admission: $30
- Children under 10: $15
Reserve Your Spot
To ensure we have enough crêpes and drinks for everyone, advance registration is required.
Please check the link below for full details and to secure your tickets.
FEBRUARY 08 – Picnic
Kick off 2026 with our monthly Pique-nique Pétanque on Sunday, February 08, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends, family, and the AFGO community, complete with good food, fun pétanque games, and the fresh winter air. Bring a dish to share for our potluck picnic and start the new year on a joyful note outdoors.
Kids and adults alike are welcome — come for the games, the company, and a wonderful way to celebrate the season together!
FEBRUARY 21 – Movie Night
Join us for our Monthly Movie Night at the AFGO on Saturday, February 21, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. Bring a dish to share for a potluck dinner and settle in for an evening of French cinema with the romantic comedy film “Brasserie Romantique.”
This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxed night with friends, practice your French in a fun setting, and share good food and conversation. Don’t miss this cozy, cultural evening!
FEBRUARY Cultural Talk – To be determined
Looking for more ways to connect with French culture beyond Orlando? Enjoy these free online events open to Alliance Française members nationwide.
Taking Measure of America – How French Cartographers Shaped “The New World” with Roger Mummert
February 12, 2026
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
A presentation by Roger Mummert of www.theparisproject.net in association with the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA
French Cinémathèque: Petite Maman
February 23, 2026
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
Director: Céline Sciamma
Starring: Joséphine Sanz, Gabrielle Sanz, Nina Meurisse, Stéphane Varupenne
Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy
After losing her grandmother, a young girl named Nelly helps her mother clean out her grandmother’s house. When Nelly ventures into the woods around the house, she meets a girl her own age, and they begin to build a treehouse and start a remarkable friendship.
Epiphany 2026 – A Delicious and Friendly Celebration
The Alliance Française of Orlando and FABCO celebrated Epiphany with a sold-out event, bringing together the French-speaking community to enjoy delicious galettes des rois.
Thanks to our three talented pastry chefs:
- Croissant Gourmet – Winter Park
- Le Petit Paris – Winter Garden
- Chez Jacqueline – Melbourne
The favorite galette, chosen by the public, was from Croissant Gourmet, prepared by Chef François Paille.
A festive and friendly afternoon, true to French traditions, where everyone could share a delicious and culturally enriching moment.
Cultural Talk Recap
On Friday the 30th, we had the pleasure of hosting a fascinating cultural talk with Michelle Regalla centered on languages and their role in shaping identity, communication, and culture. The discussion sparked thoughtful exchanges and reflections on multilingualism, language learning, and how languages influence the way we think and connect with the world. It was an engaging and enriching evening that truly resonated with our community, and we thank Michelle Regalla for sharing her insights and passion with us.
AFGO Family Birthday Celebrations
Here’s a look at the birthdays and special celebrations we’re honoring this month:
February Birthdays
- Faiza – Feb 5
- Caroline – Feb 7
- Véronique – Feb 8
- Luciana – Feb 12
Special Milestone
A very special congratulations to our honorary president, Bernard, who celebrated a huge milestone—90 years! on January 29. Joyeux anniversaire, Bernard! Your dedication, wisdom, and passion for French language and culture inspire all of us at AFGO.
Here’s to birthdays, milestones, and celebrating the joy of our AFGO family together!
Meet Our January New Members!
We are thrilled to welcome the newest members to the AFGO family! Your passion for French language and culture makes our community even more vibrant, and we are delighted to have you join us.
- Mille S. – Casselberry, FL
- Don K. and Family – Windermere, FL
- Edgar F. and Family – Orlando, FL
- Laurie M. – Orlando, FL
Thank you for joining us and bringing your energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando. We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events, classes, and cultural activities, and to share many memorable French experiences together!
Become a Member Too !
