Bastille Day vs. 14 Juillet

Did you know that "Bastille Day" is used almost everywhere in the world except in France?

Indeed, French people are celebrating 'le 14 Juillet.' It officially became the French national holiday in 1880 (July 6) and has been observed ever since. 'Le 14 Juillet' is more the celebration of the end of the royal monarchy (July 14, 1790) than the Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789).

How French people celebrate 'le 14 Juillet'?

In Paris, the day starts with a military parade on the Champs Elysées, from 'la Place de l'Etoile' to 'la Place de la Concorde', in front of the President , government's members and some political guests. In the rest of the country, 'le 14 Juillet' is celebrated most of the time at sunset, with first a torchlight parade (la retraite aux flambeaux) with lanterns (les lampions), followed by fireworks (le feu d'artifices). As a closing, 'le 14 Juillet' is ending in music with firemen balls (le bal des pompiers) opened to the entire neighborhood. In Paris, the fireworks' setting is at the Eiffel Tower and take place after a concert at 'le Champ de Mars' park.

Et bon 14 Juillet!