Bastille Day
French Independence Day
In America we celebrate Independence Day and the day is usually filled with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. In France, its a little different. In France, Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14th, celebrating the beginnings of the French Revolution. Today it is celebrated with parades and fireworks, and of course food is served. It is France after all!So what does Bastille Day look like? On the 14th of July, cities from around France will pay respects to war memorials by laying wreaths and the mayors typically give some sort of speech. In Paris, Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, is celebrated with parades and fireworks. Every year a military parade takes place on the Champs Elysees with the Garde Republicaine on horses and the Patrouille de France in the skies. The military parade is the oldest and largest military parade held in Europe as it has been an occurrence since 1880. Then at night, the Eiffel Tower lights up with fireworks after the sun sets. Very rarely are fireworks allowed over the Eiffel Tower, even during New Years, the display took place near the Champs Elysees rather than the Eiffel Tower. So because its limited, it makes the celebrations that much more special. But one thing for sure is that its more commonly referred to as the 14 Juillet rather than Bastille Day because it celebrates equality and liberty more than it celebrates the storming of the Bastille. And this tradition is something that I am looking forward to as I have never experienced first hand. Finally after 24 years, I will be there!
