Bastille Day

Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14th, is France's national day commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. It marks the symbolic end of absolute monarchy and the birth of modern France. The day is celebrated with the famous military parade down the Champs-Élysées, spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and festivities throughout France.

On July 14, 1789, Parisian revolutionaries stormed the Bastille fortress, seen as a symbol of royal tyranny. Although only seven prisoners were held there, the fortress represented the arbitrary power of the monarchy. This event sparked the French Revolution and the eventual overthrow of King Louis XVI. The date became France's national holiday in 1880, chosen to commemorate both the storming of the Bastille and the Fête de la Fédération of 1790.

The day features the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe, with troops marching down the Champs-Élysées before the President. Spectacular fireworks light up the sky around the Eiffel Tower, attracting millions of spectators. Public balls called "bals des pompiers" (firemen's balls) are held in fire stations across France. Citizens wave the tricolor flag and sing La Marseillaise, the national anthem.