Bastille Day is the national holiday of France. In French, it is called called La Fête Nationale (pronounced la fɛt nasjɔnal) or La Fête de la Bastille (pronounced la fɛt də la bastij), and is celebrated annually on le quatorze juillet (the 14th of July). Bastille Day traditions include a military parade in Paris and an aircraft flyover.
What is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day historical context
Bastille Day, France’s biggest and most patriotic national holiday, commemorates la prise de la Bastille (the storming of the Bastille) on 14 July 1789 at the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was an old fortress that was used as a prison. The holiday celebrates the falling of la monarchie française (the French monarchy) and the unification of the la France (France).
How to pronounce Bastille
Before we go any further and look at the traditions, let’s take a close look at how to pronounce bastille [bastij]. The word bastille has a double LL, which can be confusing. For this word, do not pronounce the double LL like L as in “lemon”. Pronounce it like a slight -y sound as in the word famille (family).
Bastille Day Traditions
Bastille Day military parade
Every year on the morning of the 14th of July there is le défilé militaire (military parade) in Paris. The parade goes down Les Champs-Elysées to la Place de la Concorde. The parade is attended by thousands of onlookers as well as the French president and notable French and foreign dignitaries. The president, currently Emmanuel Macron, gives a unifying speech.
The parade has been held almost every year since 1880 without fail. Military parades are held in other major cities around France.
Aircraft flyover
Every year on 14 July at around 10:30am there is le défile aérien (air force flyover). Fighter jets fly over rooftops La Défence then make their way over the Champs-Elysées. They steam red, white and blue contrails, the colors of the French flag.
Fireworks display
Every year, fireworks displays (un spectacle pyrotechnique) are put on in Paris and other cities on the evening of 14th of July. In Paris, the fireworks show is put on against the backdrop of la tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) lit up in red, white and blue. There is also endless partying in the streets.
Other important Bastille Day traditions
In Paris and through out France other important Bastille Day celebrations take place including concerts, communal meals and dances.
Related posts:
- La Marseillaise – French national anthem
- List of French kings
- List of French queens
- Public holidays in France
- French flag facts
References
Holidays and celebrations | Posts by David Issokson
