Bastille Day Celebrations
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Tue 8th July 2008 at 01:42 AM, Filed in Europe, July
14th July is the closest thing the French have to an independence day. It is designated as a French national holiday and commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille when France did away with their Monarchy and made the first moves towards becoming a republic.
Whilst events take place all over France, Paris is the place to be. There is a huge military parade in the Champs Elysee led by army cadets and the fire service get the biggest cheers. The red arrows put on a display to accompany the parade between the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. Large firework displays are staged. A chosen few will attend a garden party at the Palais de l’Elysee held by the elected president.
The evening before Bastille Day many gather to dance in Bastille square and numerous balls (including a gay ball) are held and parties in fire stations!
Usually Bastille Day co-insides with the Tour-de-France and the stage of the Tour for the day could take place anywhere in France, but is typically a day when the contenders put in an extra effort to win the day for France. Wherever you are in France the villages will hold their own celebrations with street parties, champagne and fireworks.
Fireworks at Eiffel Tower
If you can’t get to France many countries as far afield as Seattle and New York in the USA, London and even South Africa have their own Bastille Day celebrations with good food, music and dancing.
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