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Bastille Day

Join in the festivities and celebrate Bastille Day with delicious French cuisine, music, and a whole lot of joie de vivre!

Tuesday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 14

OBSERVED INFrance

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Bastille Day Timeline

Storming of the Bastille

On July 14, 1789, French revolutionaries storm the Bastille prison, marking a key event in the French Revolution.

First Fête de la Fédération

On July 14, 1790, the French celebrate the first Fête de la Fédération, commemorating the unity of the French nation during the French Revolution.

Establishment of Bastille Day

Bastille Day is formally established as a national holiday in France on July 14, 1880. The day is marked with celebrations and military parades.

World War I Celebrations

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.

Eiffel Tower Fireworks Tradition

Starting in 2000, a grand fireworks display is launched from the Eiffel Tower, forming a key element in nationwide Bastille Day celebrations.

Bastille Day amid COVID-19

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Bastille Day

Host a French-themed picnic

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!

VISIT

Visit a French bakery

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.

LEARN

Learn some French phrases

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.

WATCH

Watch a French film

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.

JOIN

Join a Bastille Day parade

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!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Bastille Day

It's a day for good food and wine

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.

It's a celebration of French culture

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.

There are parades and festivities

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.

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