Bastille Day (14/07)

Every year on July 14, all of France celebrates the national holiday of the Republic — Bastille Day (French. La Fête Nationale or the Day of July 14 (French. Le Quatorze Juillet), installed as early as 1880.

The historical event that became the basis for the establishment of the holiday occurred during the Great French Revolution — in 1789, the rebel Parisians stormed the Bastille prison fortress —, a symbol of royal despotism, and released seven prisoners. This event is considered the beginning of the Great French Revolution, as well as a symbol of the overthrow of absolutism.

Although Bastille Day is considered a national holiday in France, it is celebrated not only in this country, but throughout the world. The siege and capture of the Bastille — is one of the grandiose events in human history. It became a symbol of the political liberation achieved through revolutionary means, and the word «Bastille» itself became a household word.

Celebrations on this day take place throughout France. But, perhaps, even celebrating the New Year cannot be compared with what is happening in Paris on July 14. As you know, the Great French Revolution began with the armed seizure by the rebel Parisians of the formidable and hated Bastille prison on this day in 1789.

However, the majority of the jubilant people today no longer treat this holiday as revolutionary. They no longer care what happened and how it happened more than 200 years ago. Something great is celebrated for every Frenchman, bright, joyful and patriotic.

The official program of the celebration includes a series of balls: firemen's balls, the Great Ball, which takes place on July 13 in the Tuileries Garden. On Bastille Day itself, a solemn military parade takes place on the Champs-Elysees. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with Etoile and moves towards the Louvre, hosted by the French President.

On Concord Square, opposite the famous Arc de Triomphe, special seats have been erected for spectators. The finale of the holiday is a large fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower and on the Champs de Mars. This pyrotechnic performance usually begins at 10 pm.

In addition to the official celebration program, there are ongoing parties throughout the city — in discos, bars, nightclubs, houses and simply on the streets of —.

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