Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale)

Bastille Day, known as "La Fête Nationale" in French, is the national day of France, celebrated on July 14th each year. It commemorates two significant events in French history: 1. The Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): The Bastille was a fortress and prison in Paris that symbolized the absolute power of the monarchy. On this day, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. The event is seen as a turning point in the struggle against the monarchy and a symbol of the French people's fight for freedom, equality, and fraternity. 2. The Fête de la Fédération (July 14, 1790): This event took place one year after the storming of the Bastille and celebrated the unity of the French nation. It was a massive gathering to celebrate the new constitutional monarchy and the progress of the Revolution. Bastille Day is marked by various celebrations throughout France, including military parades, fireworks, parties, and concerts. The most famous event is the military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, which is attended by the President of France and other dignitaries. The day is a symbol of French national pride and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.