Bastille Day
Liberty, Equality,
Fraternity
Why do French people celebrate it ?
Like the celebration of the 4th of July in the United States is a celebration of its independence, the day of the capture of the Bastille, the French national holiday, commemorates the taking of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of the regime of Louis XVI.
The taking of the Bastille was the symbol of freedom and the struggle against oppression for all French citizens; like the tricolor flag, it symbolized the three ideals of the Republic: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all French citizens. Today, rather than commemorating the storming of the Bastille itself, it is a day to celebrate these three tenets of the republican national motto.
When the First Republic was established in 1792, " La Marseillaise" was written and declared "the French national anthem" in 1795.
Overall, this is a day of patriotism and pride for the French community. It is a large birthday celebration which all French citizens enjoy. Conveniently scheduled in the middle of summer vacations, "Le 14 juillet" is a lot of fun because almost everyone can take time off from work, reflect on France's history and party! While much of the historical events of the first "14 juillet" have been forgotten over the years, the overarching doctrine is still intact. For the French, this vitally important day, is truly a day of celebration.
Let the party and dancing begin!
Join us in singing La Marseillaise!
Like the celebration of the 4th of July in the United States is a celebration of its independence, the day of the capture of the Bastille, the French national holiday, commemorates the taking of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of the regime of Louis XVI.
The taking of the Bastille was the symbol of freedom and the struggle against oppression for all French citizens; like the tricolor flag, it symbolized the three ideals of the Republic: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all French citizens. Today, rather than commemorating the storming of the Bastille itself, it is a day to celebrate these three tenets of the republican national motto.
When the First Republic was established in 1792, " La Marseillaise" was written and declared "the French national anthem" in 1795.
Overall, this is a day of patriotism and pride for the French community. It is a large birthday celebration which all French citizens enjoy. Conveniently scheduled in the middle of summer vacations, "Le 14 juillet" is a lot of fun because almost everyone can take time off from work, reflect on France's history and party! While much of the historical events of the first "14 juillet" have been forgotten over the years, the overarching doctrine is still intact. For the French, this vitally important day, is truly a day of celebration.
Let the party and dancing begin!
Join us in singing La Marseillaise!
