by Pamela Kay

Created on: June 29, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2011

Viva la France! These words still echo through history from the first Bastille Day, but today, they ring anew each year on July 14 as the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution. Regardless of where they now live, the French celebrate their freedom  in the French tradition of family, good food and fine wine.

*Traditional French Foods

Oh, that French cuisine: Aged wines stored in cellars for years, pungent cheeses, pepper crusted beef, rare and juicy, crusty baguettes, smooth sauces, fresh fruit, savory herbs fresh from the garden, sauteed vegetables, buttery pastries, and divine chocolate desserts. These are all a part of a Bastille Day celebration. No wonder it takes the French two hours to eat the noontime meal!

*Paris-The Eve of Bastille Day

The celebration of Bastille Day starts the day before in the evening. The French dance in Bastille Square, where the once hated prison stood, or attend balls. Every club and bar holds its own celebration. There's a lot of celebrating going on with music, singing, firecrackers, bottle rockets, toasting with wine and one of the worlds largest picnics, the Incredible Picnic.

*"The" Parade in Paris

In France, the day starts with large crowds attending the largest military parade in the world. The parade is held on the Champ-Elysees from lArc de Triomphe to the Palace de la Concorde. First are the cadets as both French Air Force and Naval planes and helicopters fly overhead. Next, come the foot soldiers and the motorized and armored troops. The Much cheered Paris Fire Brigade usually brings up the rear.

*The President

The President, with his government and foreign ambassadors, watch the parade in front of the Place de la Concorde. Afterward, the President holds a garden party at the Palais de l'Elysee.

There is also a custom of the President pardoning lesser crimes and giving an interview to reporters about the state of affairs in France today. These two traditions have not been preformed in the last few years.

The spectators then drift home to prepare a lunch, which they will leisurely enjoy for up to two hours, as is the custom in France. At night, there will be a spectacular fire works display.

*Traditions Of Other French Towns

Every town, village and hamlet of France will have a celebration. Not all will have parades or fireworks but what they will all share in common is family, good food, fine wine and a fierce love of their country and its independence.

*French Traditions Outside Of France

Those of French descent, living in America or other countries have no problem finding traditional celebrations to attend. All across Europe and from Philadelphia, Pa. to Los Angeles, Ca. there are activities going on, in celebration of Bastille Day.

Parades, French flags and banners, picnics, festivals, wine tasting, dancing, balls, parties, cookouts and the showing of "A Tale of Two Cities" all give us a look at Bastille Day traditions around the world. In America, we honor their holiday because we understand the fight for independence and the sweet taste of freedom.

Sources

whatsonwhen.com

www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/bastille-day.htm

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