by Sandy Winn

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: July 11, 2008

French representatives from eighty-three departments, thousands of citizens, and military units throughout France came together in Paris on July 14, 1790 to commemorate the storming of Bastille that marked the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789. Even more specifically, it was a day in which the French declared a national unity and reconciliation among the French people. The name of this event was called the Fete de la federation, and it marked the birth of a Republic. However, no annual traditions were held afterwards and it was not until July 6, 1880 that France established a National Holiday - only it was not called Bastille Day, it was called and officially still is Fete Nationale le juillet 14. It was decided that the unification and reconciliation of people throughout France on July 14, 1790 should be honored because what happened at the Bastille Prison was, "too bloody a day for a national celebration!"[1]

English speaking people are the ones who began calling the French National Holiday, "Bastille Day", and eventually it became a popular phrase used by numerous French citizens too - in a way, it has become tradition to refer to Fete Nationale le juillet 14 as Bastille Day. No matter which phrase one chooses to use on July 14, the traditions and meaning behind the celebration have their roots clear back to July 14, 1790...

* Military Parade

On July 14, 1790 military members paraded down the Champs-Elysees Avenue (though not near the size it is today) - just as they do now. On the morning of Bastille Day, spectators will come in droves to watch President Nicolas Sarkovy of France lead a military parade, with jets from Patrouille de France in formation flying high above, down the much famed avenue.

* Feasting

At the Fete de la federation celebration there was an enormous spread of food for all in attendance held at the Champs-de-Mars. It is traditional on Bastille Day, after the parade has finished, for Parisians to partake in the "Incredible Picnic" that is held in twenty departments around Paris. In their baskets will be traditional but simple French foods and of course, wine. Possible food choices include: baguettes (or other fresh bread), cheese, butter, ham and cheese sandwiches (this is a traditional French food), their favorite meat, plenty of cutup fruits and vegetables, and a small salad. Let's not forget some common dessert and pastry choices: eclairs, mousse, tarts, and fruit tarts. Picnicking on Bastille Day is also traditional

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>