Bastille Day Festivities in France

Bastille Day is actually France’s national day. It is celebrated with great pomp and show on the 14^th of July every year. This celebration commemorates the most important event in the whole history of France. Back in 1789, on this very day the commoners of France declared their intention to fight against the atrocities they had been suffering for ages. They stormed the prisons of Bastille and freed the prisoners. The ensuing bloodshed was inevitable but there began a movement. It was the first awakening of the democratic spirit in France.

Even if it took many blood baths and revolutions for the final establishment of democracy in France, the French people celebrate this day with grand events every year. Many tourists and visitors come to France to witness the magnificent celebrations and events that take place on this day every year.

The Bastille Day celebrations start in the morning of the 14^th July, with the spectacular parade of the French military. It commences with the air show of the French air force planes booming past the capital city with the French flag tricolor smoke trailing their path. At 11.00am the grand parade of the soldiers, firemen, police force and cadets march along the world renowned Parisian avenue Champs-Elysées. The regiments of the different contingents march down the avenue in orderly formations. The Garde Républicaine on decorated horse backs is a memorable sight. The whole parade with the accompaniment of brass bands and other instruments is an impressive event.

In the afternoon a comprehensive musical concert is organized on the much celebrated Champs-de-Mars of Paris. This concert is a free event that celebrates the Bastille incident. This concert is presented as a joint effort of the national orchestra of France and Radio France. This splendid concert extends to evening hours, after which the magnificent fireworks display fills the summer night sky. This explosion of colors continues for a little over half an hour. You cannot but be overwhelmed by the spectacular event.

You have a number of view points from which you can enjoy this dazzling display. If you want to be a part of the cheering and fabulously mad crowd you can be in the Champs-de-Mars. But if you want to enjoy the event far from the jostling crowds, it is better to select one of those tall monuments, terraces or parks which offer a marvelous view of the fireworks. There are quite a few monuments from which you can have a comprehensive view of the whole affair. A number of restaurants offer a chance to view the fireworks from their terraces. If you can be present at the parks very early, you can witness the breathtaking display without spending money.

The Fireman’s ball is another event in the Bastille Day celebrations, which follows the fireworks. It starts at 9 pm. and goes on till 4 am. There is an entrance fee to this ball. Sometimes there will be drums placed at different places in the ball room to collect donations from the visitors. This money is used for improving the working conditions of the fire fighters. So the idea of supporting the common man that had started with the storming of Bastille is continued through the

Fireman’s ball. This ball is organized on 13^th and 14^th nights.

Besides these grand events in the capital city, there are small and big celebrations and events conducted all over the country by French citizens of all ages. It is a fabulous time to visit France.

by Marina Chernyak