France's national day on July 14th is not called Bastille Day!

Bastille Day: A Celebration of Freedom and Unity

Historical Origins of France's National Day

France's National Day, celebrated every July 14th, marks a significant event in French history: the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. The Bastille was a fortress and prison in Paris that symbolized the absolute and arbitrary power of King Louis XVI. On this day, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, freeing prisoners and seizing weapons. This act of defiance signaled the beginning of the French Revolution and the eventual downfall of the monarchy.

However, it was not until a year later, in 1790, that July 14th was chosen as the day to commemorate this pivotal event. This celebration was called the "Fête de la Fédération" and was intended to symbolize the unity of the French nation and the end of absolute monarchy. It was a grand celebration held in Paris, where citizens from all over France gathered to pledge their allegiance to the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, the celebration of July 14th was overshadowed by another date. Napoleon shifted the focus to August 15th, which was his birthday and also celebrated as Saint Napoleon's Day. This change was part of his effort to consolidate power and align national celebrations with his own image. However, after Napoleon's fall, the July 14th celebration was gradually restored, reaffirming its importance in French history and national identity.

Why It’s Not Called Bastille Day in France?

Interestingly, the French do not refer to this day as "Bastille Day." Instead, they call it "La Fête Nationale" or simply "Le 14 Juillet." This terminology reflects the broader significance of the day. While the storming of the Bastille was the catalyst, the celebration encompasses the entire revolutionary movement and the values it espoused: liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a day to celebrate national unity and the birth of the Republic.

Traditions and Celebrations

The celebrations of La Fête Nationale include a mix of official and popular traditions. The day starts with the oldest and largest military parade in Europe, held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The President of the Republic attends, and the parade showcases the strength of the French armed forces. Planes from the Patrouille de France, the French Air Force aerobatic team, fly overhead, trailing smoke in the colors of the French flag.

Across France, towns and cities host various festivities. Public dances, known as "bals des pompiers" (firemen's balls), are popular, especially in Paris. These events bring communities together in a spirit of joy and celebration. Fireworks displays are a highlight of the evening, lighting up the skies over major cities and small towns alike.

Symbols and Values of France

The French national day is rich with symbols. The Tricolore, the French flag, is displayed prominently. Its three colors—blue, white, and red—represent liberty, equality, and fraternity, respectively. The Marseillaise, the national anthem, is sung with pride, evoking the revolutionary spirit and the fight for freedom.

Understanding France's National Day for your Integration

Understanding the significance of La Fête Nationale is crucial for anyone integrating into French society. It’s more than just a holiday; it’s a day that embodies the values at the heart of French identity. By participating in and appreciating these traditions, one gains a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the French Republic.

Useful Vocabulary

- La Fête Nationale: National Day

- Le 14 Juillet: July 14th

- La Bastille: The Bastille

- La Révolution Française: The French Revolution

- Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

- Le Drapeau Tricolore: The French flag

- La Marseillaise: The French national anthem

- Le Bal des pompiers: Firemen's ball

- Le Défilé militaire: Military parade

- Le Feu d'artifice: Fireworks

Bastille Day is a celebration of France's journey toward democracy and freedom. By understanding and embracing these traditions, anyone can feel more connected to the French way of life and the values it upholds.