The Francophonie Festival will take place this year between March 17 and 31. Every March, francophones – as French-speakers call themselves – unite around the world to celebrate the diverse cultures worldwide that share the same language.

Atlanta’s Francophonie Festival 2012, now in its 13th year, offers free and ticketed cultural events in Midtown, Buckhead and Downtown. This year’s highlights include internationally known political cartoonist Plantu, French comedians, films from Belgium, Quebec and Switzerland, a Cajun music concert and a gourmet brunch for families.

For details, parking and tickets, visit www.francophonieatlanta.org.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.