Bastille Day
Here in the States it’s commonly referred to as Bastille Day but did you know that the French don’t use that name? They call it La Fête Nationale or Le quatorze juillet (14th of July). It’s a bit like the way we refer to the American Independence Day as “the 4th of July”.
It commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a stone fortress and prison, which marked the beginning of the French revolution. This momentous event took place July 14, 1789 and was the beginning of the end for the French royal regime.
The French celebrate this day much as we observe the 4th of July. It is a national holiday and there are parades, fireworks, parties, the French flag and the singing of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.
Click here to listen to the anthem.
Read more…
8 things to know about Bastille Day
Bastille Day: Muted celebrations in France under shadow of Covid-19
Bastille Day Recipes That You And Your Family Can Enjoy During This Year’s Celebration
8 reasons why you should teach your children to speak French
One of these days I would love to be in Paris to observe these festivities. Or really, I’d be happy to be there any time. I loved our first trip to Paris and hope it will be safe to travel next year. I can’t imagine anything more romantic than celebrating our 4oth anniversary in Paris.
Update: Sadly, we were unable to celebrate our 40th in Paris, although we DID have a wonderful trip to New Orleans, the city where we spent our honeymoon. Fingers crossed for 2022!
I hope you can take that trip next year.
Thanks – me, too!