In celebration of Bastille Day

Almost every country in the world has a national day, and France is no different. Bastille Day is held on July 14, and commemorates the storming of Bastille by the French people in 1789.

The Bastille was a prison traditionally reserved for political prisoners, and by capturing this symbolic place of power, the people signalled that King Louis VXI’s power was no longer absolute.

The storming of Bastille also symbolised the start of the French Revolution, and so remains a significant day in French history.

In France, the celebrations begin with the traditional Military Parade down the Champs-Elysées in Paris.

Infantry, cavalry and motorised troops form a procession watched by thousands, while the Patrouille de France aircraft perform aerobatics in the sky above the parade.

As the day continues, the celebrations become more dynamic, with fire stations across the country hosting lively dance parties for all to attend. The Eiffel Tower is lit up with spectacular fireworks displays, and the celebrations continue well into the night.

Around the world, the Bastille Day festivities also reach grand heights. In America, the national day is celebrated in a variety of French-inspired ways.

In Boston, the French Cultural Centre celebrates with a massive al fresco party that attracts around 2000 people. There is live music, French cuisine, and dancing in the street.

In Philadelphia, the storming of Bastille is re-enacted outside the walls of Eastern State Penitentiary, with thousands of cakes thrown from the walls in accordance with Marie Antoinette’s saying, ‘Let them eat cake’.

And strangely enough, one of the largest Bastille Day celebrations can be found in Milwaukee, complete with its own replica Eiffel Tower.

Spanning over four days, and consequently known as ‘Bastille Days’, the event attracts as many as 250,000 people, who flock to the city for beer and cheese tastings, French lessons and cancan performances.

French Polynesia pays tribute to its heritage, with its Heiva I Tahiti festival. On Bastille Day, traditional French celebrations are combined with Polynesian customs, recognising the cultural liberties afforded by the French when they annexed the region from English missionaries in 1881.

The locals celebrate with native canoe races, fire walking and fruit carrying, as well Polynesian dancing, live music and singing.

Pondicherry, on the south east coast of India, was under French dominance for 300 years, and celebrates Bastille Day with a unique blend of east and western culture.

On the eve of the national day, retired soldiers engage in a parade and celebrate with Indian and French national anthems. On the actual day, uniformed war soldiers march through the streets, French flags adorn buildings, and a fusion of Indian and French music is played

London is another major city that revels in the historical French festivities.

Locals embrace French food, culture, music and practices at the Borough Markets, ranging from silk-weaving demonstrations, a waiter’s race, wine tasting and games of pétanque. Theatrical performances and live Parisian music keep the merriments alive well into the evening.

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