Why is 14 July a national holiday in France?

14 July: important date for the "Cugini d'Oltralpe" because it corresponds to the national holiday in France, the most important and "official" of all. But what exactly is celebrated and why is it so important to the French?

On July 14, the Bastille Prese of 1789 was commemorated. But not only that.

On 14 July 1789 the Bastille of Paris was stormed by the French citizens insurgents, reduced to a state of poverty for several months now. This emblematic event symbolically marks the beginning of the French Revolution and perfectly embodies the ideals of freedom, égalité, fraternité became the foundation of the French Republic and its Constitution. A year after the Bastille was taken, Federation Feast It was first celebrated, precisely in remembrance of July 14, 1789. Both events, in any case, are today considered emblematic for France and in particular for its historic Revolution.

On 6 July 1880, on 14 July it officially became a national holiday in France, following a bill by Congressman Benjamin Raspail. Initially, it commemorated the feast of the Federation of 1790, while from the 20th century it is associated with the taking of the Bastille. In the 21st century, the national feast of France is increasingly associated with the presidency of the Republic, Republican values and the end of the monarchy. In some way, it can be considered on July 14th as the FrenchItalian equivalent of 2 June.

How is it celebrated on July 14 in France?

The French national holiday is first of all associated with the great military parade on Champs Elysées. Prior to the passage of the French "tricolor arrows", the Patrouille de France. Other military parades are scheduled in other French cities. The same applies to traditional Fireworks: The Champs de Mars, with Eiffel Tower view, They remain the most famous. But most of the French municipalities propose for the occasion their own fireworks show.

The French national holiday is also associated with folk dances, in particular bals musette and Fireball on July 13th.

I bals musette, Now "out of fashion" had as their predecessors the so-called "bals à musette" characterized by the use of oboe musette, a sort of small bagpipe particularly appreciated in Auvergne. In time, this wind instrument was then replaced by the accordion, in French Accordeon.

The bal des pompiers It is the most famous popular dance associated with July 14.

Like military parades and fireworks, the fire dance is a very important symbol of the National Day in France. The Bal des Pompiers It takes place every year between 13 July and 14 July, in all French firehouses.

Tradition seems to begin in 1937, when the Montmartre firehouse first opened to the public on July 14. The event was so successful that all the other barracks in Paris decided to follow suit. Initially they hosted gymnastics demonstrations by firemen, and then left room for toasts and dances.

Interrupted only during World War II, the Pompieri Ball maintains its great popularity still today. For the occasion, firehouses turn into real dance floor and DJ set, Free admission but with the possibility to consume food and drink for a fee. Only negative note: Lots of crowds and miles to access the party! But if you are patient enough and confusion does not bother you, then the Bal des pompiers is the right event for you.

As a "veteran" resident in Paris, I can only advise you to live the French National Day at least once in your life and discover, with your eyes, because it is such an important event for France.