Fête Nat

Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14th, is France's National Day and commemorates several important events and traditions:

1. Storming of the Bastille (1789): The most famous event associated with Bastille Day is the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789. This marked a turning point in the French Revolution, symbolising the end of the king's absolute power and the rise of the people's sovereignty. The Bastille symbolised the monarchy's tyranny, and its fall symbolised freedom and democracy.

2. Fête de la Fédération (1790): The inaugural official celebration of Bastille Day, held on July 14, 1790, was known as the Fête de la Fédération. It was a commemoration of the unity of the French people and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The event was marked by a grand celebration at the Champ de Mars in Paris, with King Louis XVI and other dignitaries in attendance.

3. Military Parades: A significant modern tradition of Bastille Day is the military parade held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This parade, the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe, is a display of France's military might and a tribute to its armed forces. The parade typically includes troops, military vehicles, aircraft flyovers, and performances by military bands.

4. Fireman's Ball: An exciting tradition associated with Bastille Day is the Fireman's Ball (Bal des Pompiers), where fire stations open their doors to the public for a night of dancing, music, and festivities. This tradition began in Paris and has spread to other parts of France.