Bastille Day: A Celebration of Revolution and Liberty
A day of national pride and remembrance
On July 14, France celebrates Bastille Day, a national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. This day holds immense significance in French history, symbolizing the overthrow of monarchy and the dawn of a new era of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Historical Origins
The Bastille, a formidable military fortress used as a prison, became the embodiment of royal tyranny. On July 14, 1789, an angry mob stormed the Bastille, freeing its prisoners and sparking a revolution that would forever change the course of French history.
Celebration and Tradition
Bastille Day is celebrated with great fanfare throughout France. The day begins with a traditional military parade down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, featuring marching bands, troops, and military equipment.
In addition to the parade, festivities include fireworks displays, concerts, and street parties. The Eiffel Tower, an iconic Parisian landmark, is often illuminated in red, white, and blue, the colors of the French flag, to commemorate the occasion.
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