14th of July - Bastille Day
July 14th is quickly coming and you might want to learn more about the day also known as Bastille Day.
What does July 14th celebrate? What does "Bastille Day" stand for? Where is July 14th celebrated?
Well, keep reading, you're going to know what is July 14th (or National Day or even "Bastille Day").
Photo: Liberty Equality Fraternity Poster by AntiqueImages.
Fall of the Bastille by Dividenda
What is Bastille Day?
French National Holiday occurs on July 14th, Frenchies celebrate it each year and it is actually their National Day.
In French, this holiday is referred to as "Fête Nationale" or "14 Juillet". It is also known as Bastille Day as is it remembrance of the storming of Bastille prison.
While the prison was empty, the storming of the Bastille was symbolic of the revolt of the people against the central unique power of the French monarch.
This day also represents the taking of the power by the French people as three years later only, the French royal couple was guillotined. Less than hundred years later the Republic of France was born.
On July 6, 1880 the law made July 14th officially became France yearly National Day.
July 14th Celebration in Paris, Vincent van Gogh
by masterpiecesofart
What happens on July 14th?
The most important festivities on July 14th occur in Paris, on the Champs-Elysees.
The president attends a military parade in which take part the many French army units, such as French Navy, French Air Force, French Foreign Legion and Cadets from military schools. Other participants to the military parade are Paris fire brigade (known as Sapeurs-Pompiers). Then the president reviews the troops.
Military parades are also held in several communes of France but the president doesn't take part to those.
French television broadcasts the presidential annual allocution. Before 2010 there was also a garden-party hosted at the presidential palace of the Elysee but it is cancelled this year by reason of saving money on the national finances.
On July 14th, the French president is allowed to pardon prisoners. French National Day has also another symbol: the tricolour flag (blue, white, red) beating on the official monuments and on the windows of many houses.
French motto is: Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood (liberté, égalité, fraternité).
Fête Nationale poster
by photobippy
14th of July activities in France
In every French provincial town or village people attend public concerts, plays, parades, all so many developments of the French culture.
Naturally the day ends by fireworks - the fires(lights) of July 14th. Today, we can already perceive 14-july fireworks in the previous night.
For many French persons it is the occasion to gather with the family and/or friends and enjoy a bank holiday at the beach.
Other activities might be wine tasting as some areas of France are part of the "Wine Road" (Route des Vins) where castles and wineries are open to the public.
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité French Liberty Poster
by AntiqueImages
Anecdote
In 1989, festivities were held all the year in all parts of France, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.
On my way to Spain, I saw a huge amount of Frenchies costumed in 1789's characters, parades, fireworks and other public events.
I won't be there that day but I hope they plan to celebrate the 300th anniversary the same way and wish those who will attend those festivities to enjoy them a much as I did!
Attend Bastille Day Festivities in France
If you want to attend the festivities of Bastille Day on July 14th festivities, book a flight and a hotel to France on time.
