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Get ready to celebrate France's national holiday, Bastille Day, on July 14! This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. It is also known as La Fête Nationale or Le Quatorze Juillet (July 14th) and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and delicious French cuisine. It's a day for all of France to come together and celebrate their history and culture with pride. So grab your beret and baguette and join in on the festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1789</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Storming of the Bastille</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 14, 1789, French revolutionaries storm the Bastille prison, marking a key event in the French Revolution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1790</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Fête de la Fédération</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 14, 1790, the French celebrate the first Fête de la Fédération, commemorating the unity of the French nation during the French Revolution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1880</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Bastille Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bastille Day is formally established as a national holiday in France on July 14, 1880. The day is marked with celebrations and military parades.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World War I Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1918 Bastille Day celebration is marked with joy and relief following the end of World War I. It symbolizes France's recovery and resilience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eiffel Tower Fireworks Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Starting in 2000, a grand fireworks display is launched from the Eiffel Tower, forming a key element in nationwide Bastille Day celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bastille Day amid COVID-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2021, as with the previous year, Bastille Day celebrations are adapted to follow Covid-19 social distancing measures, reflecting the strength and adaptability of the French nation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a French-themed picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and head to a park for a picnic filled with French-inspired foods like baguettes, cheese, and macarons. Don't forget to bring a French flag to decorate your picnic area!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a French bakery</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local French bakery and indulge in some delicious pastries and bread. Bonus points if you can find one that specializes in traditional French treats like croissants and éclairs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn some French phrases</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn some basic French phrases or brush up on your language skills. Impress your friends with your newfound knowledge at your Bastille Day celebrations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a French film</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Curl up on the couch and watch a classic or new French film. This is a great way to immerse yourself in French culture and learn more about the country's history and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a Bastille Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check if your local community is hosting a parade or event to celebrate Bastille Day and join in on the fun. You can even dress up in traditional French attire and wave a French flag as you march!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of French culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things French. This holiday originated from the Storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789 and has since become an important part of France's national identity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are parades and festivities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the most exciting parts of Bastille Day are the parades and celebrations that take place throughout France. People gather in the streets to watch military displays, music performances, and breathtaking fireworks displays.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day for good food and wine</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>French cuisine is famous around the world for its delicious flavors and unique dishes. On Bastille Day, people often gather with friends and family to share a meal and indulge in some fine French wine. It's a great excuse to try out some traditional French recipes or visit a local restaurant and partake in the festivities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bastille was a Symbol of Absolutism</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Bastille was not just a prison; it was a symbol of the absolutist power of the French monarchy. Its storming marked the beginning of the end of the Old Regime and the start of the journey towards France's modern democracy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There were not many prisoners in the Bastille when it was stormed</h3><p class='facts-content'>On July 14, 1789, when the Bastille was invaded, there were only seven prisoners held there. Interestingly, none of them were political convicts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bastille Day wasn't always a National Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, Bastille Day wasn't formally declared a national holiday until nearly a century later, in 1880. Since then, it has been celebrated every year without fail.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eiffel Tower is crucial in the Firework Display</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although fireworks have always been a traditional way to celebrate Bastille Day, it was only in the year 2000 that the Eiffel Tower became the launching site for the dazzling display, enhancing the spectacle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bastille Stones were Repurposed</h3><p class='facts-content'>After the storming and subsequent destruction of the Bastille, many of its stones were taken and used in other construction projects, including the Concorde Bridge in Paris.</p></div></div>
Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 every year. In 2024 Bastille Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jul 14
Friday
2024
Jul 14
Sunday
2025
Jul 14
Monday
2026
Jul 14
Tuesday
2027
Jul 14
Wednesday
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