France Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the “storming of the Bastille”, which occurred on 14 July 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
Bastille Day is basically the national day of France.
For more than 200 years, people have observed Bastille Day.
Bastille Day, one of the most important days in French history, occurs every July.
It is one of the most important days for the country because it commemorates the fall of the Bastille, an 18th-century military stronghold and political prison that served as a symbol of the monarchy and a storehouse of weapons.
What is Bastille Day exactly, when is it, and how is it observed in France and the United Kingdom?
Here is all the information you require.
What does Bastille Day mean?
France observes Bastille Day as a national holiday.
Although it is known as Bastille Day in English-speaking nations, the official name of the day in French is Fête Nationale française, which translates to French National Celebration
It commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération, which was held on the same day a year later to honor the unity of the French people.
What day is Bastille?
Every year on July 14—the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille—people celebrate Bastille Day.
The date of this year’s Bastille Day is Thursday, July 14. The 14th of July, or le 14 Juillet, is the official name of Bastille Day in France.
How is Bastille Day observed in the France?
Every year on July 14, there are celebrations all over France.
According to reports, one of the events includes the most significant and oldest military parade in Europe.
The Défilé Militaire du 14 Juillet, also known as the Bastille Day military parade in French, takes place on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
It happens in front of the President of the Republic, other French government representatives, and foreign visitors.
Since 1880, the parade has been held on the morning of July 14 virtually every year.
The parade travels from Place Charles de Gaulle, which is centred on the Arc de Triomphe, to Place de la Concorde along Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
The parade begins with seniority-ordered cadets from the military schools, then various officials like foot soldiers, army infantry, and the Foreign Legion.
Sometimes non-military police and fire units participate as well. Additionally, helicopters and planes from the French Air Force and Naval Air Force perform a flypast.
Smaller military parades are also held with local troops in French garrison towns like Toulon and Belfort.
The purpose of the day is to unwind and celebrate with loved ones, family, and friends.
Bal des pompiers, or the Firemen’s Ball, is a well-known dance that is performed throughout the nation in the evening.
However, this year’s Bastille Day celebrations in France will be a little less colorful than usual due to fire concerns raised by the country’s extreme temperatures and the ongoing heatwave that is sweeping across Europe.
In order to prevent the country from getting any hotter, some areas have canceled the fireworks displays that are typically held to commemorate the day.
How is Bastille Day observed in the United Kingdom?
Due to the large French population in London, the UK’s capital city, Bastille Day is primarily observed there.
Throughout the city, events are held in a number of locations, including Battersea Park, Camden Town, and Kentish Town.
Canary Wharf hosts live entertainment, and the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in Kentish Town hosts French theatre productions every week.
In addition to sporting events and garden parties, restaurants all over the city offer cabarets and special menus.
A sizable event is also taking place at the Bankside and Borough Market, where attendees can enjoy live music, street performers, and old-fashioned French games.
