Bastille Day marks a hugely significant day in French history and is widely celebrated by Gallic people around the world.
It’s often marked by communal traditional feasts, parades, musical performances, and concerts, as well as fireworks.
Known as la fête nationale in France, it is a national holiday, with people in France enjoying a day of celebrations with friends and family.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bastille Day, including when it falls each year and why it’s so important.
What is the history of Bastille Day and when is it?
Bastille was the name of a political prison where political dissidents were kept during the French Revolution.
At the time, French people were deeply unhappy with the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy, with the reign of King Louis XVI bringing food shortages and tax hikes for thousands of citizens.
On July 14, 1789, a violent mob stormed the Bastille and released the seven prisoners held there.
After the attack, the French Revolution was born. The monarchy was overthrown, and Louis and his wife Marie Antoinette were executed.
Therefore, Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 every year by French people around the world.
Why is Bastille Day important to French people?
A year after the Storming of the Bastille, the French began celebrating the Fête de la Federation.
The day was meant to symbolise peace and brotherhood during the revolution and today, the founding message still remains prominent.
It is commonplace for the words “liberty, equality, and fraternity” to be heard during the celebrations.
How is Bastille Day celebrated in France?
On Bastille Day, large-scale celebrations happen all over France, including musical performances, communal meals, dances, and spectacular firework displays. People across France are given a day off as it is a public holiday.
On the morning of Bastille Day, there is a grand military parade where servicemen and women from various units take part, including cadets from military schools, the French Navy, and the French Foreign Legion.
The French president traditionally opens the parade and reviews the troops, while thousands of people line the route.
Are there any Bastille Day celebrations in London?
To mark the special day, the French Embassy in the UK has launched a campaign called Bastille Day Menu 2023, that sees videos of French chefs in the UK sharing special recipes people can try at home. The videos have been gradually released across social media platforms, featuring the likes of Raymond Blanc and Pascal Aussignac.
To celebrate the special occasion, Mama Shelter Shoreditch is offering visitors a taste of France on the day. The special event will cost £15 per person and include a DJ set, welcome drink, a happy hour 2-for-1 champagne deal, and more. The dress code has been set as chic, so you’ll want to wear a dapper outfit.
In Putney Pantry, The Buckingham Trio will be performing jazz classics featuring tunes from the great French pianist and composer Michel Legrande and more while guests enjoy a three-course meal for £40.
Alternatively, you can head to the Le Pont de la Tour’s Bastille Party for £50 per person to enjoy a glass of Mirabeau rosé, some delicious canapés, fresh oysters, and live music on their riverside terrace.
