by Magnolia Miller

Created on: June 29, 2008   Last Updated: March 28, 2011

Never shy about their love for spectacle, pomp and circumstance, it is certain, that when Bastille Day, or Bal du 14 Juillet, as it is known in France, rolls around once again this July 14th, the French will, as always, with great splendor and grandeur, "laissez les bon temps rouler" - let the good times roll!

Celebrating the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, and the beginning of the French Revolution, Bastille Day is an enormously important and proud day in French History. Often referred to as the French 4th of July, it is no wonder then that the French pull out all the stops in their celebration of independence on this national holiday.

With their characteristic enthusiasm, the two day revelry and merry making kicks off the night before on July 13th. All over the country villages, restaurants and bars begin the celebrations. The fire stations open their doors for the fete' with their famed firemen's galas. Dressed in full uniform the firemen greet the revelers and celebrate in a fun, kitschy style.

Balls are held all over Paris complete with the over-the-top pageantry and elaborate costumes that one would expect only from the French. Citizens take to the streets with singing, dancing and drinking with some of the more boisterous celebrations occurring in the Bastille Square in Paris.

The following day, amid church bells ringing and guns saluting, the events kick off once again with the traditional military parade led by the President of France. Beginning at the Arc de Triomphe the President leads the parade procession along the Champs Elysees' to the Place de la Concorde. Following the President are the infantry, cavalry, tanks and fire engines, culminating with a military jet flyby and the French national colors of blue, red and white, emitted in their jet stream.

With great passion and swelling emotion the national anthem "La Marseillaise" is sung and French national pride is palpable when they sing the refrain "Grab your weapons, citizens! Form your battalions! Let us march! Let us march! May impure blood water our fields!"

Culminating on the evening of July 14th,the two day long affair winds down as the citizenry makes their way to the Eiffel Tower. Located on the left bank of the River Seine, at the Parc du Champ de Mars, the Tower provides a powerful backdrop for a grand display of fireworks, another round of the national anthem, and undoubtedly another glass of champagne!

Though nothing of the Bastille remains in the French landscape today, what it was and what it represents to French history and patriotism will not soon be forgotten as long as the French continue to have their say. It is and always will be representative of the French ideals of liberty, equality and brotherhood. Vive La France!

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