Bastille Day

Bastille Day History

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, and the subsequent birth of the French Republic. This key event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and symbolized the end of the reign of King Louis XVI and the oppressive monarchy.

While primarily a French celebration, Bastille Day also holds significance for the rest of the European Union, since the birth of the French Republic contributed greatly to the shaping of Europe as it is known today. The French Revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity eventually inspired a wave of similar democratic movements across the continent. The European Union, being a political and economic union founded on joint principles of democracy and solidarity, also shares some common ground with the values ultimately exemplified by the French Revolution.

In the European Union, Bastille Day is observed primarily by the French communities and Francophiles residing in various member states. Informal gatherings, street parties, and cultural events are often organized to celebrate this day. Restaurants and bars may also offer special French menus or host French-themed evenings to mark the occasion, allowing European citizens to embrace and familiarize themselves with the rich history and culture of their fellow member state. As in France, Bastille Day is celebrated every year on July 14th throughout the European Union.

Top facts about Bastille Day

• The theme for Bastille Day in 2024 was La Liberté.
  In 2023, the theme was Freedom.
• The French flag consists of blue, white and red. White was the colour of the Monarchy and red and blue represented Paris. During the Revolution, the white was surrounded by blue and then red.
• The French Revolution was brought about partially due to the unequal class system found in France during the late 1700s. The Catholic clergy held the highest position, next came Louis XVI and his court, and lastly were the general population. Without the benefit of being born into a higher class, the general population had almost no hope of every bettering their station in life.
• Louis XVI's spending at Versailles and his financial support of the American Revolutionary War against the British, placed France in severe economic crisis. The general population was starving while King Louis XVI was building a great navy and continuing his lavish lifestyle in Versailles.
• A revolution can be neither made nor stopped. The only thing that can be done is for one of several of its children to give it a direction by dint of victories. - Napoleon Bonaparte

In the News and Trending in the EU for Bastille Day

Bastille Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Watch the Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. They usually start around 11pm and can be viewed from the Champs de Mars and Trocadero.
• Go out to a French Restaurant. Many have specials for this day.
• Attend a French military parade.
• Visit a French national museum as most are free to visit on Bastille Day or visit a local firehouse in France - they are open to the public on this holiday.
• Watch a movie or a documentary about the French Revolution. Our picks: The French Revolution(2005), Jefferson in Paris (1995), Marie Antoinette (2006), Danton (1983) and That Night in Varennes (1982)