Bastille Day in France

Bastille Day, known in France as La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) or Le Quatorze Juillet (The Fourteenth of July), is the French national holiday. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790.

History

• Storming of the Bastille (1789): The Bastille was a fortress-prison in Paris, seen as a symbol of the tyranny of the Bourbon monarchs. Its storming signaled the uprising of the modern nation.
• Fête de la Fédération (1790): A massive event held on the first anniversary of the Bastille's storming to celebrate national unity.

Traditions

• Military Parade: The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14th on Paris's Champs-Élysées avenue, presided over by the President of France.
• Fireworks: Spectacular displays are launched across towns and cities with an especially impressive show at the Eiffel Tower.
• Bal des Pompiers (Firefighters' Ball): Fire stations open their doors to host fundraising dance parties on July 13th and/or 14th.

Modern Celebrations

On this day, people across France enjoy public events such as:

• Parades and processions.
• Communal meals and banquets.
• Parties with family or friends.
• Concerts and performances.

Public landmarks are frequently adorned with French flags, and many citizens display patriotic pride by wearing blue, white, and red—the colors of the French flag.