Bastille Day

Bastille Day is France's foremost national holiday, celebrated on the fourteenth of July. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille by the people of Paris on July 14, 1789. The Bastille was a Parisian fortress that became symbolic with the oppressive French monarchy. Although it held very few prisoners at the time of the storming, the victory itself was important in that it marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the demise of monarchy. In the months that followed, the Bastille was completely destroyed.

In France, Bastille Day is celebrated with a military parade up the Champs Elysées in Paris, and there are also dances and fireworks throughout the country.

Several cities in North America also celebrate Bastille Day. The festivities range in size from small local affairs and dinners to large street festivals.

The Alliance Francaise, a non-profit French cultural organization, holds Bastille Day celebrations in many cities, although they are sometimes pricey. Check the Federation of Alliances Francaises, USA to see if there is an Alliance Francaise near you.

Below is a listing of some of the Celebrations of Bastille Day taking place in North America. Click on name of any city to visit a website about the event. If you plan to attend an event, please check with the event's sponsor in advance in case of error, date change or cancellation.