Bastille Day
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- Eiffle Tower Fireworks
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- Arc de Triomphe
Post written by Laureline Pascal, a United Planet team member.
Most French people are proud of their history, particularly of the French Revolution, even though it was a very violent time. When you grow up in France, you are taught the important meaning of Bastille Day. The day Parisians stormed The Bastille, the most famous royal prison in France. It was on this day that the royalty lost its divine and religious status and was only seen as a dictatorship by the French.
When you’re young, and even when you grow older, you love Bastille Day because it means that your parents don’t work and festivities are held all over France! The biggest celebration is the military parade on the Champs Elysees, the main and well-known avenue of Paris which stretches from l’Arc de Triomphe to la Place de la Concorde. The parade can be seen on every national TV channel.
There are also many festivities in small towns such as fireworks, balls and concerts. This day is very important because it demonstrates the French people’s dedication to their country and a renewed understanding of what their ancestors went through. Although Bastille Day is a French holiday, celebrations happen all over the world. In 2006, I was in the United States and I went to “Le Bal du 14 juillet” organized by the Committee of French Speaking Societies in New-York. It was a very French experience in a very American city. We drank good champagne and an orchestra was playing ‘La Vie en Rose’.
Wherever you are, whatever you do, Bastille Day should be celebrated as a symbol of freedom and revival.
Tags: Bastille Day, Champs Elysees, culture, Fireworks, France, Freedom, French Revolution, History, L'Arc de Tromphe, Paris, Place de la Concorde
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