All About Bastille Day

Bastille Day is a French national holiday which celebrates the storming of the Bastille, which started the French Revolution. This event took place on the 14th of July 1789, 220 years ago today.The Bastille was a prison and symbolised  of the absolute power of the French King, Louis the 16th. It marked the end of his absolute rule in France and the birth of the French sovereign nation.

Interesting Facts:

1. The Bastille only held seven prisoners when it was stormed by revolutionaries. It was originally built as a medieval fortress
2. While English speakers say Bastille Day, the French speakers call it le 14 juillet. If you want to wish a French person, Happy Bastille Day, you can say  « Joyeux Quatorze Juillet ! » or simply « Bonne fête ! » But the French people normally don’t do so.
3. Today, the French celebrate this holiday with a large military parade along the Champs Elysées, arts festivals and colourful parties with lots of wine.
4. On Bastille Day, the President of France would give and interview to the press discussing the state of the country, projects for the future etc. Nicholas Sarkozy, elected President in 2007 has chosen not to give one this year.
5. Bastille Day Celebrations have spread beyond France. New Orleans traditionally holds a large celebration in the French Quarter. In Budapest, Hungary the French Embassy hosts a two day celebration. And the list goes on.

So take some time today to celebrate the country that gave us fine wines, beautiful art, language and so much more.