Bastille Day
Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In French, it is formally called the Fête nationale française (French: [fɛt nɑsjɔnal fʁɑ̃sɛːz]; 'French National Celebration'); legally it is known as le 14 juillet (French: [lə katɔʁz(ə) ʒɥijɛ]; 'the 14th of July').
| Bastille Day | |
|---|---|
The Patrouille de France with nine Alpha Jets over the Champs-Élysées in Paris in 2017, during the Bastille Day military parade | |
| Also called | French National Day (Fête nationale) The Fourteenth of July (Quatorze juillet) |
| Observed by | France |
| Type | National day |
| Significance | Commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, and the unity of the French people at the Fête de la Fédération on 14 July 1790 |
| Celebrations | Military parades, fireworks, concerts, balls |
| Date | 14 July |
| Next time | 14 July 2024 |
| Frequency | Annual |
French National Day is the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a major event of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération that celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. Celebrations are held throughout France. One that has been reported as "the oldest and largest military parade in Europe" is held on 14 July on the Champs-Élysées in Paris in front of the President of France, along with other French officials and foreign guests.