Happy Bastille Day is most commonly known as the national day of France. The formal name of this day in France is Fête Nationale which means national celebration in English. It is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille that is a turning point of the French Revolution. The day indicates the unity of the French people at that time. So Bastille Day is a very important day all over the country and people celebrate this day with great enthusiasm.
Bastille Day Date
Bastille Day is celebrated on 14th July across every corner of the country each year. The day has been celebrating since 1789 having a great unity among French people all time. There are lots of facts and incidents associated with the day.
Read also: Happy Bastille Day Quotes, Sayings
Interesting Facts about Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a great historic day among French people. There are a lot of important and interesting facts about this day. Some of the notable incidents of this day are mentioned below for you:
- Though Bastille was originally built as a medieval fortress, it then eventually came to be used as a state prison in Paris, France.
- Political prisoners were often imprisoned there as well as citizens detained by the higher authorities for trial.
- It has been reported that “the oldest and largest military parade in Europe” is held throughout France.
- By the late 18th century, Bastille starts to be used little and was scheduled to be demolished, and then it had come to symbolize the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy.
- Fête de la Fédération was held on July 14, 1790, that was a way to celebrate the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in France.
How to Celebrate Bastille Day?
Bastille Day is a public holiday in France, so different private and public organizations remained close on this day. People celebrate the day in various ways they prefer. Many people attend different public celebrations such as Military and civilian parades, concerts, several musical performances, dance programs, communal meals, eye-catching fireworks displays, and a lot of other activities.
The main attraction of celebrating the day is attending the large military parade in the morning held on 14th July every year. The French President opens the parade. The President also reviews the troops. A large number of people line the route of the parade. Many people arrange a family picnic and invite friends and close persons to have more fun.
Bastille Day traditions
Celebrations take place all over the country, including in the smallest villages. Many French people attend large-scaled events, but others prefer to stay home and enjoy their day off with friends and family.
The military parade
The military parade down the Champs-Elysées in Paris, the largest and the oldest in Europe, kickstarts the celebrations. French troops march and their allies march in a lavish display from the Arc de Triomphe down to the Place de la Concorde for over 2 hours as the crowds cheer alongside the parade. It involves over 4,200 soldiers, 220 vehicles and 100 aircraft and is often the occasion for the French president to honor foreign guests.
The parade is broadcasted on live TV, and many French people choose to watch it in the morning.
Final Words
Though Bastille Day has been celebrating on July 14 since 1879, the official celebrations were held in Paris on 30th June 1878. The day is celebrated to pay honor to the Republic of France. Several events on the occasion of this day are also organized in some areas of the USA such as Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.
