National Day of France

(Bastille Day)

TODAY, July 14 is the National Day of France commonly known as Bastille Day, in English-speaking countries. The French National Day is the anniversary celebration of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1780, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fete de la Federation which celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790. Celebrations are held throughout France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14 on the Champs-Elysees in Paris in front of the president of the republic, along with other French officials and foreign guests.

Bastille Day is a joyous national day with popular celebrations in the streets as well as political events. Military parades, public speeches, and fireworks are expected but also convivial gatherings in cafes and restaurants.

The French people wear blue, white, and red and sing the Marsseillaise, the French anthem. A popular custom on this day is going for a friendly picnic in a public park, socializing, enjoying French food and wine, before watching the fireworks from the Place de la Concorde.

In many French villages, people get together on July 13 to enjoy a typical barbecue and sing and dance all night, taking the advantage of the public holiday the day after. The president of the republic normally attends all the Parisian festivities and ends on July 14 ceremonies with a public interviewed from the Elysee (President’s official residence).

Bastille Day became the National Holiday in 1790, originally called Fete de la Federation (“federation feast”), to celebrate the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the end of the French Revolution.

In the Philippines, there will be a Reception which was organized by the Ambassador of France to the Philippines and Mrs. Nicolas Galey on July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at North Forbes Park, Makati City.