Bastille Day: The National Holiday of France
Bastille Day, known as “La Fête nationale” in France, is a significant national holiday celebrated annually on July 14th. This day holds great historical and cultural significance for the French people, as it commemorates two pivotal events during the French Revolution: the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and the Fête de la Fédération on July 14, 1790.
Date and Significance
Bastille Day is observed on July 14th each year. It serves as a commemoration of the Storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789. This event marked a turning point in the French Revolution, as Parisian revolutionaries successfully stormed the Bastille, a symbol of the tyrannical rule of the French monarchy. The Storming of the Bastille is considered the first victory of the people of Paris against the oppressive “Ancien Régime” (Old Regime). Additionally, Bastille Day also celebrates the Fête de la Fédération, which occurred on July 14, 1790, and symbolized the unity of the French people.
Storming of the Bastille
The Storming of the Bastille was a historic event that unfolded on July 14, 1789. The Bastille, a fortress-prison in Paris, represented the oppressive rule of the French monarchy. In an act of defiance against the monarchy and the unequal social system, Parisian revolutionaries stormed the Bastille. This event was a significant turning point in the French Revolution and is widely regarded as a symbol of the people’s fight for freedom and justice.
Fête de la Fédération
The Fête de la Fédération took place on July 14, 1790, exactly one year after the Storming of the Bastille. This grand event was organized to celebrate the unity of the French people and the ideals of the Revolution. The Fête de la Fédération was held on the Champ de Mars in Paris and aimed to symbolize peace and reconciliation. The celebrations included a mass celebrated by Talleyrand, the bishop of Autun, and were attended by a large number of Parisian citizens.
National Holiday
Bastille Day officially became the national holiday of the French Republic on July 6, 1880, under the Third Republic. The date was chosen to commemorate the foundations of the regime and to express France’s recovery from the defeat of 1870. Since then, Bastille Day has been celebrated annually with great enthusiasm throughout France. The day is marked by various festivities, including military parades, fireworks displays, concerts, balls, and communal meals.
In conclusion, Bastille Day, or “La Fête nationale,” is an important national holiday in France. It honors the historical events of the Storming of the Bastille and the Fête de la Fédération, which played significant roles in the French Revolution. This day serves as a reminder of the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity that are deeply rooted in French history and culture.
Sources:
- Expat Explore. “Top 10 Facts About Bastille Day – Celebrate in Paris.” Retrieved from: https://expatexplore.com/blog/celebrate-bastille-day-holiday/
- Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. “The 14th of July: Bastille Day.” Retrieved from: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/france-facts/symbols-of-the-republic/article/the-14th-of-july-bastille-day
- Wikipedia. “Bastille Day.” Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day
FAQs
What is Bastille Day called in France?
Bastille Day is called “La Fête nationale” in France.
When is Bastille Day celebrated?
Bastille Day is celebrated annually on July 14th.
What are the historical events commemorated on Bastille Day?
Bastille Day commemorates two significant events during the French Revolution: the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and the Fête de la Fédération on July 14, 1790.
What is the Storming of the Bastille?
The Storming of the Bastille refers to the event on July 14, 1789, when Parisian revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a fortress-prison in Paris symbolizing the tyranny of the French monarchy. It marked a crucial victory for the people of Paris against the oppressive “Ancien Régime” (Old Regime).
What is the Fête de la Fédération?
The Fête de la Fédération was held on July 14, 1790, to celebrate the unity of the French people. It took place on the Champ de Mars in Paris and aimed to symbolize peace. The event included a mass celebrated by Talleyrand, bishop of Autun, and was attended by a large number of Parisian citizens.
When did Bastille Day become a national holiday in France?
Bastille Day became the national holiday of the French Republic on July 6, 1880, under the Third Republic. It was chosen to celebrate the foundations of the regime and express France’s recovery from the defeat of 1870.