Storming of the Bastille

Bastille Day – The 14th July has been celebrated by the french every year since 1789, the year that citizens of France rebelled against the monarchy by storming the Bastille prison where dissenters (in fact, anyone who disgreed with the way that France was being governed) were held. The storming of the Bastille marked the start of the French Revolution which allowed the people to govern France. The first celebration, in 1790, was called the Fête de la Fédération and was a massive feast and official event.

What is Bastille Day? 1

Bastille Day Celebrations

Formally called La Fête Nationale, it is now a national (public) holiday and is celebrated all over France (as well as many other countries with a large french population) with both official ceremonies, for example on the Champs-élysées in Paris, as well as parties and firework displays (feu d’artifice) in just about every town. There is a tradition (which is permitted by Article 17 of the French Constitution) of pardoning some petty criminals by the state on this day.

What events are being planned for Brittany and Pays de la Loire? How will you celebrate in 2012?

Please help us!

If you found this useful, please let your friends know by sharing it here...