Bastille Day - French National Holiday

Bastille Day - French National Holiday

Bastille Day is the French National holiday on 14 July which is normally celebrated with military parade, festivals, parties and fireworks. In France, it is called as La Fête National which means Bastille Day in English.

Bastille Day - A Little History

The fortress called Bastille had walls more than 80 feet high. The Bastille was built in 1382. The Bastille was originally built to defend the east side of Paris from enemy’s attack. It was the French monarchy who transformed the Bastille, castle into a prison in order to lock up French people who go against their decision.

The storming of the Bastille

France was ruled by a corrupt aristocracy in 1780. It was an era of monarchy and Louis XVI had a full power on French people. High class people like Priests wanted more money and Nobles also wanted to share some of the king's power. The middle class and low classes were angry about the titles and rights. They didn’t liked how they been treated

The country’s situation was so bad, that the French had no stable income and food. Anyone who goes against the monarchy would be sent to Bastille. The French people rose against the French monarchy and overthrew the monarchy of Louis XVI (and Marie-Antoinette).So, the first storming of the Bastille held on July 14, 1789.

This was the beginning of the French revolution which brought great changes in the history of France. France has the Tricolor flag which symbolized the Republic's three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all French citizens It distinct the end of absolute French monarchy, the birth of the sovereign Nation, and the first Republic, in 1792.

The Early Celebrations of the Bastille Day

The Bastille Day was originally celebrated in 1790. The EiffelTower was magnificently decorated by fireworks, a four day feast was prepared with fine wine and at last day, they run through the streets in order to display the great freedom.

Bastille Military Parade

Bastille Military Parade is a French military parade that has been held on the morning of 14 July each year in Paris since 1880. It is the good idea to wake up early if you want to get a good view spot of Bastille parade which starts at 10 am in 14 july. It might be difficult to get around because of crowd and lots of streets being blocked. The parade will start from Arc de Triomphe and finished at Place de la Concorde.

The parade will be led by the cadets, infantry troops, motorized troops, armored troops, the French Republican Guard, occasionally non-military police units and the Air Force, the Naval Air Force and helicopters fly overhead the parade. The French Foreign Legion always brings up the rear of this part of the parade,

In modern times, it has become traditional to invite units from France's allies to the parade. In 2004, British troops led the Bastille Day parade in Paris for the first time, with the Red Arrows flying overhead the parade. In 2007 the German 26th Airborne Brigade led the march followed by British Royal Marines.

This is a popular and famous event in France which is broadcast live on French TV. This is the oldest and largest regular military parade in the world. 

Bastille Day is not only celebrated in france.Britain has a many French, and celebrates Bastille day at various locations including BatterseaPark in London.

In United States, over 50 U.S. Cities conduct Bastille Day Celebration which involves performances, picnics, wine and shopping.