Published 13:42 IST, July 14th 2022

France Bastille Day 2022: History, significance and all you need to know

France Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the “storming of the Bastille”, which occurred on 14 July 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.

Reported by: Anwesha Majumdar
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Every year, Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 to commemorate foundation of French Republic. Bastille Day is basically national day of France. Le quatorze juillet ( Fourteenth of July), Fête Nationale ("National Holiday") or La Fête du 14-Juillet (14th July Holiday) are some of official names for day in French. It also marks anniversary of “storming of Bastille”, which occurred on 14 July 1789, a pivotal moment in French Revolution. Furr, it also observes Fête de la Fédération, which acknowledged unification of French people on 14 July 1790.    

According to French government, July 14 celebrations are still quite popular. A meticulously orchestrated sight is annual, tritional military pare on Champs-Elysées in Paris. Throughout nation, dances, fireworks displays, and special illuminations are staged. Or French government representatives and international visitors took part in dition to President of Republic in celebrations. 

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France Bastille Day history

This day honours French people who h finally united toger in a mass movement in an effort to seize control of ir own nation after years of misrule by monarchy with rising taxes and increased food costs. Parisians came toger on July 14, 1789, to march on Bastille. According to Office Holiday website, Bastille was a mediaeval fortification built in 14th century that later served as a jail. 

storming of Bastille is considered to be start of French Revolution and came to represent liberty, democracy, and fight against tyranny for all of France's citizens. In September of that year, 800-year-old monarchy was eventually abolished in France, and Louis XVI was guillotined in January of following year for treason. 

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France celebrates Bastille Day

French citizens celebrate day with ir well-known Bastille Day military pare. This annual custom began in 1880 and is being practised today. Many visitors from around world go to France to see this famous march. pare, which is also shown on French television, is biggest and oldest regular military representation in all of Europe. 

Besides famous pare, French citizens also attend one of many Bals des Pompiers, or firemen's balls in English, by dancing night away. In dition, a number of major tourist destinations, including museums, are free to access on this day. This year, Bastille Day 2022 falls on Thursday.  

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(Image: Shutterstock)

13:42 IST, July 14th 2022