Bastille Day Is More Than Parades and Bombings – a Textbook for Trump’s Visit
Today is Bastille Day in France and President Trump is here to celebrate. But why? And what exactly is the holiday?
Bastille Day history
What we call Bastille Day is actually known in France as la Fête nationale, or French national day. Every year on July 14th, there is a national holiday celebrating the famous ” storming of the Bastille ” in 1789, often referred to as the turning point of the French Revolution (here’s an excellent CrashCourse video on the subject ). The Bastille, located in Paris, France, was a medieval fortress, an armory, a political prison, and a symbol of royalty.
In the early evening of July 14, 1789, about 950 French citizens and army deserters entered the Bastille and fought about 100 men, many of whom were old soldiers unfit for battle. Shooting and cannon fire erupted, killing about 100 attackers and killing only one defender. When the smoke cleared, French citizens took control of the Bastille, then freed seven prisoners and used about 250 barrels of gunpowder for their revolution.
That night, while awaiting a counterattack by the French monarchy, the citizens erected barricades in the streets and armed themselves with new weapons. The next day, King Louis XVI and his generals retreated, hoping to avoid further violence. But it was already too late, the news of the uprising in Paris had already begun to spread throughout France. The French Revolution was in full swing. By 1792, the French monarchy had dissolved and a new republic was formed.
How is it celebrated today
Bastille Day, which also celebrates the Fête de la Fédération , is essentially the French version of July 4th. This is a celebration of their independence, as well as the unity of the French people.
It was originally a massive celebration of drinking, singing and dancing that lasted for several days. There is now “le défilé”, a massive military parade in Paris that is known as one of the oldest and largest military parades in Europe. It moves along the Champs Elysees and is attended by the President of France, other officials and foreign guests.
After the parade, the participants head to the “la bal populaire” dance, during which people drink and spend time with friends and family. When everyone has had their fill of drinks and dancing, they all gather to watch the fireworks show. These extravagant shows take place all over the country, but the most famous show takes place at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
So why is President Trump here?
Well, he was invited! French President Emmanuel Macron asked Trump to attend the military parade with him as a guest of honor and dine with him atop the Eiffel Tower in front of a large fireworks display. In addition, this year’s celebrations mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. intervention in World War I. The United States, along with France and its other allies, fought Germany in 1917, making this year’s Bastille Day celebration special for French-American relations.