Bastille Day
Celebrate French culture and history on Bastille Day! This French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. Enjoy French cuisine, learn about French history, and celebrate the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
About Bastille Day
Celebrate French culture and history on Bastille Day! This French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. Enjoy French cuisine, learn about French history, and celebrate the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
History & origins
Bastille Day is France’s national holiday, observed on July 14. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille in Paris on July 14, 1789, a defining event of the French Revolution. The date was made an official national holiday in 1880, and it is celebrated across France as a symbol of liberty and the birth of modern French civic identity.
Why it matters
Bastille Day matters because it marks the moment the French Revolution visibly shifted from protest to political upheaval, helping shape ideas about citizenship, rights, and national identity. It is also a major cultural day in France, bringing together military parades, fireworks, local balls, and public celebrations that support tourism, community life, and French heritage.
How to celebrate
Enjoy French cuisine and wine. Learn about French history and the French Revolution. Attend Bastille Day celebrations in your area. Watch French films or listen to French music. Learn some French phrases. Share French culture and history with others.
Facts
- Bastille Day is France's national holiday, similar to Independence Day in the US
- The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution
- Bastille Day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and parties in France
- The French flag's colors represent liberty (blue), equality (white), and fraternity (red)
- Bastille Day celebrations occur in many cities around the world with French communities
Upcoming dates
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- Wednesday, July 14, 2027
- Friday, July 14, 2028
- Saturday, July 14, 2029
- Sunday, July 14, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Bastille Day in 2026?
Bastille Day in 2026 is Tuesday, July 14, 2026. It is always observed on July 14.
What is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day is France’s national day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. It is a symbolic celebration of the French Revolution and the values associated with it, especially liberty and civic unity.
Who started Bastille Day?
Bastille Day was not started by one single founder; it grew from the events of the French Revolution and was later established as a national holiday in 1880. Its modern observance was popularized by the French state and public commemorations in France.
How do people celebrate Bastille Day?
People celebrate Bastille Day with fireworks, parades, concerts, firemen’s balls, and French food. In France, the day often includes a military parade and community festivities in towns and cities.
Is Bastille Day the same as France’s National Day?
Yes, Bastille Day is France’s National Day. It is the country’s official national holiday and is also commonly called La Fête Nationale or le 14 juillet.
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