What Is Bastille Day? Everything Culture-Savvy French Learners Need To Know
4 min readBastille Day is a public holiday in France that is celebrated on July 14th every year. This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution of 1789, which marked an important turning point in French history and was a symbol of freedom from oppression. The celebration typically involves military parades and fireworks displays, among other festivities.
Bastille Day: A French National Holiday Explained
Bastille Day is a French national holiday celebrated each year on July 14. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris during the French Revolution in 1789, which ultimately led to France becoming a Republic and the formation of modern-day democracy.
On this day, people gather to watch an impressive military parade down the Champs-Elysees in Paris, featuring armored tanks and fighter jets. Fireworks displays light up the sky, creating a beautiful spectacle for spectators to enjoy.
Bastille Day is also an opportunity for people across France to come together and celebrate their national identity through music, dance, and food. Traditional French dishes such as ratatouille and Tarte Tatin are served, along with the classic baguette. Concerts and street parties often take place in honor of Bastille Day, creating a festive atmosphere that is enjoyed by all.
For many French people, Bastille Day serves as an important reminder of their country’s history and achievements. It is a day to honor those who fought for their freedom and to reflect on the progress that has been made toward establishing a democratic society.
This national holiday provides an opportunity for people all over France, as well as visitors from abroad, to come together and celebrate the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity in the true French style and French document translation.
Get to Know the Story Behind France’s Special National Holiday – Bastille
Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, is a special holiday in France that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14th, 1789. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and a turning point for equality and freedom in France. The national holiday has been celebrated since 1880 with grand parades and military shows, as well as more modern festivities like fireworks.
The Bastille prison was initially built during the reign of King Louis IX in the 14th century. It started as a fortress and eventually evolved into a state prison for political prisoners. During its time, it held some very famous inmates such as Voltaire, Diderot, and the Marquis de Sade. It became an oppressive symbol of the Ancien Régime, which was the absolute monarchy that France was under during this time.
On July 14th, 1789, a group of citizens marched to the Bastille in search of gunpowder and weapons. This group seized control of the prison, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution and ultimately lead to the end of absolute monarchy in France. This historic event is now commemorated each year with a parade, military shows, and other festivities.
The national holiday is an important part of French culture and it’s celebrated all over the country as a reminder of what was achieved through hard work and the power of the people. It’s a day to celebrate freedom and democracy and to remember how far France has come since the storming of the Bastille.
The Military Parade On July 14th – Bastille Day
The Military Parade On July 14th – Bastille Day is a national holiday in France that commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and is celebrated with a grand military parade, attended by the President of France and other high-ranking governmental officials, as well as many members of the public. The parade typically begins at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, then proceeds down the Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde, where a speech is given by the President. Following this, troops from all branches of the French Armed Forces march past and are reviewed by the President before they disperse and attend other traditional activities, such as concerts and fireworks displays. The parade is seen by many as the most important event of the year and has great significance to the French population. It symbolizes the spirit of freedom and unity that exists today in France and serves to promote national pride among all citizens. The Military Parade on July 14th – Bastille Day is a reminder of the country’s proud history and is a fitting tribute to those who fought so bravely for liberty.
Lastly, The Military Parade on July 14th – Bastille Day also serves as an opportunity for celebration and reflection among the French people. It is a time when citizens come together to remember their past struggles and celebrate the progress made since then. The parade brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, as they come to honor those who have gone before them in the fight for a better future. It is an exciting event that has come to symbolize unity and patriotism in France, making it a truly special day on the French calendar.