Bastille Day Festivals around the World
Known under various names such as “la fête nationale” (“the national celebration”), le quatorze juillet (“the fourteenth of July”), and Bastille Day, the French National Holiday is celebrated not only in France but in various European countries and the United States with a wide range of activities.
Bastille Day owes its name to the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on 14 July 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution that sparked protest against royal power. One year later, the Fête de la Fédération (Celebration of the Federation) was held specifically to commemorate the establishment of the constitutional monarchy brought about due to this event. It was suggested that the Fête become a national holiday, “celebrated with all the brilliance that the local resources allow” by politician Benjamin Raspail, and the idea was approved of by both the Assembly and the Senate.
On the date, festivities begin with the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe, headed by cadets from top French military institutions such as the École Polytechnique (School of Polytechnic), École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (The Special Military School of Saint-Cyr), École Navale (School of the Navy). Following them are other troops and the aircraft aerobatics team of the Patrouille de France (French Patrol).
Foreign soldiers have also joined the parade at some points, such as New York firefighters who survived 9/11 and the Morocco Royal Guards. They march along the Champs-Élysées from the L’Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch) to the Place de la Concorde (Concordance Square), where the French president, his government and foreign ambassadors to the country await. Other traditions of Bastille Day consist of an interview with the press by the President and the pardoning of petty offenders, mostly in traffic. Nicolas Sarkozy, however, elected not to continue both of them during his time in office.
Revelry abroad are also lavishly held, generally featuring a military parade, free concert and firework show such as events in Liège (Belgium), South Africa and Budapest (Hungary). London, due to its large French percentage of the population, hosts events at various locations including Battersea Park.
Many American cities conduct annual festivities that attract a great number of tourists. Typically they include music, dancing, cuisine and generally attempt to showcase the French culture mixed with unique regional events. For example, re-enactments of the Storming of the Bastille are held in Milwaukee and Philadelphia, with the former involving a 43-foot Eiffel Tower and the latter queen Marie Antoinette hurling locally made pastries at the French militia. New York illuminates the Empire State building in French colours (red, blue and white).
Certainly, the fact that the French National Day is celebrated both in its country and others remain evidence of the concordance between nations. It functions as a reminder of the Revolution, and still helps introduce French culture worldwide, encouraging harmony and understanding.
