On July 14, 1789 the notorious Bastille prison-fortress in Paris, France fell. Since then, the successful storming of the Bastille has been celebrated by the French as their national day. The military parade on Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the highlights of the holiday, drawing thousands of spectators. On Le quatorze Juillet (14th of July) parties, fireworks and various exhibitions are also being organized in France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and elsewhere in the world where French culture has a significant presence and lasting influence.
La Fête Nationale
La Fête Nationale or National Celebration, more popularly known as Bastille Day is actually a yearly celebration of the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, the first anniversary of the fall of the Bastille. It was argued that it is better for everyone to remember a time of reconciliation and not of bloodshed. One year after the Bastille fell, Paris has become a city where hope has been rekindled, a period dubbed by historians as a time of optimism. The very first La Fête Nationale was “a great festival of mankind morally purified by their communal labor,” according to historian Simon Schama.
Senator Henri Martin, who created the National Day law that was passed in the year1880, said that “14 July 1790 is the most beautiful day in the history of France…that day that national unity was finally accomplished.” The importance of this public holiday goes beyond a commemoration of the birth of the French Revolution. Bastille Day is a lasting symbol of reconciliation. It also marked the rise of a modern nation.
Rising to new heights
In many places around the world, restaurants are celebrating Bastille Day with offerings of French cuisine that features traditional French favorites such as brochette de poulet, lobster bisque, pain perdu, truffle mushroom croquette, ratatouille and drinks such as combier and lemon, pastis, and signature French vintage vin rouge (red wine). Greetigs of bon appétit await merrymakers. Screenings of popular French films are also scheduled as well as pétanque tournaments, the French outdoor game of boules (ball).
In the meantime, professional cyclist and member of Team Sky Christopher Froome will attempt to summit Mont Ventoux on Bastille Day and gain cycling immortality. The epic 21-kilometer climb may not have been how France’s national day is traditionally commemorated, but Froome is hoping to fulfill a dream on Sunday. Should he succeed, the 28-year old Tour de France contender will be the 10th man to finish at the legendary mountain’s summit.
Paris is set for the parade and fireworks display
On July 14, the regiments of the French military will assemble at 9 a.m. and set off on foot, on horseback, and on motorcycles from the e Place de l’Etoile and Place de la Concorde. The President of the Republic François Hollande will grace the event. In the evening residents and visitors of Paris will witness a marvelous 35-minute fireworks display to be launched from Bassins du Trocadéro on 11 p.m. The show of lights may be viewed best from the Champs de Marsand Trocadéro.
Photo Credit: Military parade at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day 2010
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