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8 essential things to know about the 14th of July, French National Day,
or Bastille Day
5- Le Bal Populaire
From 1880, the military parade is in the morning. Bands and orchestras play music along the parade and in the public space, which belongs to all, more than ever on that day.
After the parade and before the balls organised in the evening, people gather, picnic, play games in parks.
The President hosts a Garden Party in the Presidential Palace (cancelled since the GFC!).
Town halls host lunches and co-organise balls. In Paris, it is a huge concert under the Eiffel Tower, in Lyon, it is on the Saone quays, in Bordeaux on the Garonne quays, in Marseille in the quarters.
6- The Fireworks
In every town, a major fireworks display is also organised.
In Paris, it is fired from the Eiffel Tower, on the quays for major cities with a large river or seaside.
1- What happened on the 14th July 1789?
France was governed by an all-power monarchy in those days.
Facing a growing social turmoil throughout the kingdom, Louis XVI, the King decided to meet the 3 representing parties of the state: the Clergy, the Nobility and the Third Estate, aka the common people.
The Third Estate was working on the Constitution of a National Constituent Assembly.
They feared they would be attacked by the army and decided to get access to weapons, ammunition and gunpowder. They marched on the Invalids and with no resistance, got 30000 guns and 12 cannons.
The Bastille, where most political prisoners were traditionally held, had a large supply of both ammunitions and gunpowder.
On the 14th July 1789, they attacked the Bastille and took control of it.
7- Le Bal des Pompiers
In 1937, the Firemen of the Montmartre fire station walk back from the parade, all dressed up and in order. A small group of people follow them back to the station. Thrilled by the whole morning, the firemen decide to open the doors and show the station to the public.
People are very reactive, the firemen start showing them their skills.
Soon, food and drinks stalls are installed, along with firecrackers and music.
This was the first edition of Le Bal des Pompiers, which is one of the best things to do on that day.
In most fire stations, the yard is transformed into a gigantic dance floor where young and old gather to party together to a very eclectic range of music until the early hours of the morning!
Highly recommended if you are in France on a 14th July!
2- A year later...
On 26th August 1789, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen was adopted by the National Constituent Assembly.
On the 14th July 1790 a big celebration took place on the Camps de Mars, to symbolize peace. The King and the Captain of the National Guard took oath on the new Constitution (making France a constitutional monarchy) and a mass was celebrated.
The official celebration was followed by 4 days of popular feast, with much eating, drinking, dancing and fireworks.
4- The military parade
Bastille Day is a patriot day. The Army’s duty is to protect and represent France.
From the start (1880), the National Day wants to emphasize the strong link between the Army and the People of France. Common people join the Army to defend France.
Since 1918, the military parade has been held on The Champs Elysees. It was stopped only during the 2nd World War, where the parade happened in London (where the French Resistance was based).
It draws huge crowds every year, is televised and is the oldest and longest military parade in Europe.
Smaller parades are organised in all major cities across France with the local garrisons.
3- A century later...
After the Republic was finally established, it was voted in 1880 that every year, the 14th July was to be a yearly national day to celebrate the unity of France.
The celebrations were to be around 2 main events: a military parade and a popular party.
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July 14th: The Alliance Française in conjunction with FACCI organise Bastille Day in Perth. More info here
Other places such as P'tite Ardoise Bistro, Manu Fiedels Bastille Day Dinner, Must Wine Bar, Chez Pierre, Fillaudeau's and many more organise diners, cocktails to celebrate this special day don't hesitate to check on their website for more information...
July 15th: La Maison de France, French Social Club also organise their event more information here
July 13th: The Laneway Lounge and G and the French Knights organise their free event more information here
8- In Perth
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Many places in Perth organise some events for this special Day
last updated July 11th 2017
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