Bastille Day is one of the most important and solemn holidays in France. It is celebrated annually on July 14th. On this day in 1789, residents of Paris stormed the symbol of absolutism – the Bastille fortress, where the state prison was located. This moment is considered to be the beginning of the Great French Revolution, which led to the collapse of absolutism in the country, the overthrow of the king and served as the beginning of global democratic transformations in Europe and the world.

Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) is an official state holiday. This day is a day off in France. People celebrate it as an important national and patriotic event.

Fireworks near the Eiffel Tower

The most important celebrations take place on this day in Paris. On Champs Elysees, the main street of the city, a ceremonial parade is held, commanded by the President of France. It starts at 10 am on Place Charles de Gaulle (Place de Etoile) at Arc de Triomphe. Next, the parade participants move towards Louvre. Special stands for spectators are being built at Concord Square. At 10 pm, a grandiose fireworks display is organized near Eiffel Tower on the Champs de Mars.

Also, on the eve of July 13, a number of balls take place throughout Paris (the Grand Ball in the Tuileries Gardens, the Firemen’s Ball). There are parties all over the city in bars and clubs.