Bastille Day: 2020 date, celebrations and history

Today, Tuesday, July 14, French people celebrate Bastille Day – a hugely significant date in the nation’s history.
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Also called la Fête nationale (meaning ‘The National Celebration’), Bastille Day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille and is an important hallmark of the French Revolution.

For French people, it’s a celebration of unification and they mark the event by large communal feasts, musical performances, dancing and fireworks.

However, this year celebrations are set to be a much more muted affair due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Here's everything you need to know about the date...

What is the history of Bastille Day?

Members of the 1st and 2nd infantry regiment of French Republican Guard march during the annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris
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Bastille was the name of a political prison where political dissidents were kept during the French Revolution.

At the time, French people were deeply unhappy with the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy, with the reign of King Louis XVI bringing about food shortages and tax hikes for thousands of citizens.

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On July 14, 1789, a violent mob stormed the Bastille and released the seven prisoners held there.

After the attack, the French Revolution was born. The monarchy was overthrown and Louis and his wife Marie Antoinette were executed.

Why is Bastille Day important to French people?

French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe attend the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris.
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A year after the Storming of the Bastille, the French began celebrating the Fête de la Federation.

The day was meant to symbolise peace and brotherhood during the revolution and today, the founding message still remains prominent.

It is commonplace for the words “liberty, equality and fraternity” to be heard during the celebrations.

How is Bastille Day celebrated in France?

Villagers perform a reenactment of the French Revolution during Bastille Day.
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On Bastille Day, large-scale celebrations happen all over the country, including musical performances, communal meals, dances and spectacular firework displays.

In the morning of Bastille Day, there is a grand military parade where service men and women from various units take part, including cadets from military schools, the French Navy and the French Foreign Legion.

The French president traditionally opens the parade and reviews the troops and thousands of people line the route.

However this year, due to Covid-19, the parade will be held at the smaller Place de la Concorde with just half the number of participants and only around 2,500 spectators, while a fireworks display will still take place but without the public.

This year's celebrations will also be used as a tribute to medical and military personnel who helped in the fight against coronavirus, which has killed more than 30,000 people.

Are there any Bastille Day celebrations in London?

In London, the French Embassy to the UK will deliver thousands of viennoiseries to the staff of the Royal Brompton and Chelsea and Westminster hospitals as a thank you.

The Embassy will hold a virtual celebration instead of the garden party that is traditionally held at the French Residence, with the Ambassador’s message being broadcast on its website and social media channels, where it is also using the hashtag #BastilleDayHeroes.

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