Bastille Day: Celebrating France's National Holiday

Are you counting down the days of your summer vacation in France? Well, if you’re lucky enough to be there on July 14th, get ready for something special! It’s Bastille Day—France’s biggest party of the year.

Known as "La Fête Nationale" or simply "Le Quatorze Juillet" in French, Bastille Day marks the storming of the Bastille prison back in 1789—a historic turning point that ignited the French Revolution and reshaped the nation's future.

In this article, we're diving into what makes Bastille Day so important, why it’s celebrated, and all the fun ways you can join in. Plus, we’ll throw in some handy French phrases so you can impress the locals while soaking up the excitement. Ready to get in the spirit? Let’s go!

What Is The Meaning Of Bastille Day?

Bastille Day marks the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, a key event that triggered the French Revolution. This act wasn’t just about taking over a prison—it symbolized the people’s fight against the monarchy’s oppressive rule and their demand for freedom and reform.

Today, Bastille Day celebrates the birth of the French Republic and the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It’s a national holiday that honors the spirit of resistance and the enduring commitment to these ideals.

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Brief  History Of Bastille Day

Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14th, has deep roots in the French Revolution. To help you understand this important day better, let’s introduce a few key French terms related to the revolution as we break down how this historic event came to be.

Origins Of Bastille Day

In the late 18th century, France was boiling over with discontent. Social, economic, and political tensions were at an all-time high. Financial crises, unfair taxes, and a lack of representation led the French people to demand change.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how things unfolded:

• May-June 1789: King Louis XVI called the Estates-General, a meeting of representatives from all social classes.
• July 11, 1789: The king fired his finance minister, who had been pushing for reforms. This angered the public.
• July 12, 1789: Rumors spread that Swiss and German mercenaries were being brought in to “restore order” in Paris, fueling more unrest.
• July 13, 1789: Protests broke out, and citizens began preparing for a fight, seeking weapons.

The Storming of the Bastille: July 14, 1789

This all led to the historic storming of the Bastille. Revolutionaries targeted this fortress prison, a symbol of the king’s absolute power. Though it only housed a few prisoners at the time, its fall was a massive victory for the people. Taking the Bastille wasn’t just about freeing prisoners—it was a loud and clear message that the people were ready to overthrow the monarchy.

Significance In The French Revolution

The storming of the Bastille was the spark that set the French Revolution ablaze. It encouraged people all over France to rise against King Louis XVI's rule. This event marked the beginning of the end for the monarchy and set the stage for France's transformation into a republic.

Today, Bastille Day is about much more than a prison break. It commemorates the fight for freedom and the revolutionary values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that continue to define France. It’s a day when the French celebrate the enduring spirit of their revolution, with parades, fireworks, and a sense of national pride.

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How Is Bastille Day Celebrated In France Today?

Bastille Day is celebrated with a variety of events and traditions that unite the nation in a spirit of pride and festivity. One of the most anticipated highlights of Bastille Day is the fireworks display. Across the country, cities and towns light up the night sky with incredible pyrotechnics.

But the most famous fireworks show happens at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Thousands of people gather in the streets and parks to watch the breathtaking show, which is nothing short of magical.

However, the celebration does not end there! Here are some of the must-know events during Bastille day!

The Grand Military Parade

In the morning, the Champs-Élysées in Paris hosts a grand military parade, a longstanding tradition that showcases the might and unity of the French armed forces. Picture this: soldiers marching, military vehicles rolling down the famous avenue, and jets flying overhead, leaving trails of smoke in the colors of the French flag. It’s a stunning display of national pride, honoring both the history of the revolution and the service of today’s military.

Parties, Music, and Dances

What’s a celebration without a party? Bastille Day is also known for its street parties and dances. Communities all over France come together for public festivities. Picture locals dancing in the streets, live music filling the air, and people from all walks of life enjoying the friendly, energetic vibe. It's a day where the entire country feels like one big block party!

Paris at the Center of It All

While Bastille Day is celebrated all over France, Paris is the heart of the action. Along with the parade and the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, the city hosts concerts, parties, and public events at landmarks like the Place de la Concorde and along the Seine River. If you’re in Paris, you’ll feel the pulse of the celebration everywhere you go.

Celebrations Across the Country

But don’t worry if you’re not in Paris—Bastille Day is celebrated in every corner of France! Small towns and villages throw their own parades, local fireworks displays, and community gatherings. It’s a national celebration, from the smallest village to the biggest city.

Historical Reenactments and Educational Events

For those who love history, some celebrations are held at historical sites related to the French Revolution. You can attend reenactments, listen to talks, or watch performances that bring the events of 1789 to life. These events add a deeper layer of meaning to the day, reminding people of the struggle that shaped modern France.

Is It Okay To Say Happy Bastille Day?

If you're in France for Bastille Day, you might wonder, "Can I say 'Happy Bastille Day'?" While it’s not something French people typically say, there are still ways to join in the celebration with the right phrases.

Here are some options:

• Bonne fête!
  This is a general greeting used for many types of celebrations, including Bastille Day. It’s simple and friendly, and you can’t go wrong with it.
• Vive la France!
  This slogan, meaning "Long live France," is often used to express national pride. You’ll hear this shouted during parades or fireworks—it’s the perfect way to show your excitement for the day.
• Joyeux quatorze juillet!
  This translates directly to “Happy 14th of July,” and it’s probably the closest equivalent to “Happy Bastille Day.” While it’s not super common, it’s still a perfectly acceptable way to greet someone on the day.

So while "Happy Bastille Day" isn’t a typical French phrase, these expressions are great alternatives that will help you sound more local while celebrating!

Celebrating The Bastille Day With Movies And Tv Shows

This influence is not limited to “highbrow culture” either. Just take a quick look at our French TV shows and movies listings. These are not just a great way (and terribly appropriate) way to learn French with TV and movies. They also include very personal angles at some of the dilemmas faced by French society:

My Crazy Tribe is a reality TV experiment that cheekily explores the challenges and occasional misunderstandings of diverse families in small-town France

Le Yeux Ouverts (Eyes Open) makes a spin on the traditional romantic comedy genre by showing us a well-established bling couple. What happens when he gets a corneal transplant? How do they relearn their family dynamics?

Pacific Criminal shows us a fast-paced look at an non-traditional part of France: the picturesque South-Pacific island of New Caledonia. Expect the puzzles and fast action of a police series, intertwined with the unique history of this French overseas territory.

Bastille Day Around The World

Though Bastille Day is France’s national holiday, its celebrations extend far beyond French borders. Here’s a quick look at how it’s celebrated globally:

• Canada: Cities like Montreal and Quebec host parades, fireworks, and cultural events, celebrating the strong French heritage.
• United States: In cities with French ties, you’ll find French food festivals, street fairs, and lively performances of French music and dance.
• Australia: Sydney and Melbourne join in with French cuisine, wine tastings, and cultural showcases at French cultural centers and restaurants.
• French Expats: Around the world, French expats gather at embassies, consulates, and French cultural institutes to celebrate their national identity with local communities.
• Former French Colonies: In places with historic ties to France, Bastille Day mixes local and French traditions, honoring the shared history and cultural exchanges.

From parades in Quebec to French food fests in New York, Bastille Day’s spirit of liberty, equality, and fraternity is felt worldwide.

French Words And Phrases Related To Bastille Day

Now that we know a bit about Bastille Day, its history, and how it is celebrated in France and around the world, let's take this opportunity to learn some key French words and phrases that capture the essence of this important holiday.

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Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bastille Day

1. Why Is The Bastille So Important?

The Bastille was a fortress prison in Paris that held political dissidents and symbolized the absolute power of the monarchy. Its storming on July 14th, 1789, marked a turning point in the French Revolution, representing the people's uprising against oppression and the demand for freedom and justice. The fall of the Bastille became a symbol of the end of absolute monarchy and the birth of the French Republic, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark.

2. What Is An Interesting Fact About Bastille Day?

An interesting fact about Bastille Day is that it wasn't declared an official national holiday until 1880, nearly a century after the actual event. The French Third Republic established it to unify the nation and celebrate the Republic's values—liberty, equality, and fraternity. Today, it is one of the most celebrated national holidays in France.

3. What Do You Say On Bastille Day?

On Bastille Day, people often greet each other with "Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!" which means "Happy Fourteenth of July!" Another common phrase is "Bonne Fête Nationale!" meaning "Happy National Holiday!"

4. Is Bastille Day Worth The Visit?

Yes, Bastille Day is definitely worth the visit, especially if you are in France around that date. The vibrant celebrations offer a unique and memorable experience. Paris, in particular, is a spectacular place to witness the festivities, but celebrations across the country also provide a rich cultural experience.

5. What To Wear For Bastille Day?

For Bastille Day, many people wear clothing in the colors of the French flag—blue, white, and red. Casual yet festive attire is common, especially at outdoor events like parades and fireworks displays. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as you'll likely be on your feet enjoying the activities. Accessories such as hats, scarves, or flags in the national colors can also add to the festive spirit. For evening events, such as public dances or parties, smart casual attire is appropriate.