14 July, a day of unity

Share

When we think of 14 July, we generally think of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, and “Bastille Day” as many countries call it.

Watch the parade live

Every year, a military parade is held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, in an opportunity for the Nation to pay tribute to its armed forces.

The Patrouille de France was honoured for Bastille Day and will also be at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games on 26 July 2024 in Paris.

For the French, 14 July is an opportunity to come together and celebrate. This tradition was established in 1790 with “Federation Day”, which brought together the French people in republican banquets to celebrate concord and restored national unity.

In 1880, 14 July became our “National Holiday”, with military parades, fireworks, balls and popular celebrations.

Since then, 14 July has been an opportunity for the French people across France and the world to meet and celebrate the “awakening of freedom”* together. [1]

[1] Victor Hugo