The French are famous for a number of things; their food and wine, their passion and their romance. Their greatest accomplishment however, and certainly the most celebrated of all, is Bastille Day.
Bastille Day was the turning point for the people of France on July 14, 1789. It marked the beginning of the French Revolution, an era that gave the citizens of France their voice in government. No longer were they ruled by an unjust monarchy. They became their own nation - a nation filled with pride. It is with this pride that they celebrate in the most spectacular style. It is with this pride that they honor and remember those who fought to provide them with the republican government they now have.
The Bastille Day celebration is a two day event, beginning on the the evening of July 13. There are dances being held in virtually every nook and cranny of Paris, including the fire stations where the firemen receive more than their fair share of attention from the ladies!
For those who may desire a bit more excitement, there is always the infamous Gay Ball! This is a large outdoor event and is much more extravagent than other balls that are held around the magnificent city of Paris.
On the morning of the 14th, the festivities are stepped up a notch as it is now Bastille Day! Thousands of people line the streets of the Champs Elysees, yelling, "Viva la France!" with pride as they wait for the grand parade to pass by them. The parade on the Champs is a time honored tradition and is a military parade that is led by the President. As they make their way from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, fighter jets from the Patrouille de France do a flyover in formation, adding an even larger air of Patriotism to the day.
The remainder of the day is spent dancing and rejoicing in the name of independence. They have several picnics around the city, one of which is the Incredible Picnic - the largest in the world. It is during this time that they enjoy their fine French food and wine, lavishing in the freedom that was bestowed upon them over 200 years ago.
Once night falls, everyone gathers by the Eiffel Tower in anticipation of the most glorious fireworks displays to be seen. The Tower is a great symbol for the French, and it's only fitting that it be lit by the light of a nation reborn.
It is also on Bastille Day that the President has the authority to pardon offenders who are guilty of small offenses such as traffic violations. They have been exercising this authority since 1991 and there are many grateful Frenchmen who are now ticket free!
Sadly there are people who cannot make the trip to Paris for this grand celebration. However this does not prove to be problematic due to the fact that there are Bastille Day celebrations held in every town, city and village of France. In fact, this national holiday gives incentive to all of the French cyclists who participate in the Tour de France. Each year, the world's largest bicycle road race makes its way through the celebrations, with the French riders attempting to bring home a victory for their home country.
And for the people who appreciate a celebration that is a bit more quaint, visiting the city of Carcassone may be a better option. This is a city within a wall, a city of medieval architecture and castle ruins. It has caves to explore and the ambience of the city leaves its visitors breathless. On the evening of July 14th, there is no sight more beautiful than the fireworks that gleam above the medieval castle. It is absolutely breathtaking.
While we all may not have the ability of flying to France, we do have available to us many Bastille Day celebrations that are held in various cities around the United States. They say that life is about making memories; if you can only make one memory that is full of splendor, let Bastille Day be it.