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Life.Style Journal

The beauty of Bastille Day

17 Jun 2019


This national holiday is a quintessential part of French national identity and pride because it marks the beginning of France’s republican democracy.  Bastille Day commemorates…

This national holiday is a quintessential part of French national identity and pride because it marks the beginning of France’s republican democracy.  Bastille Day commemorates the anniversary of two significant events which occurred some 230 years ago.  The first of these was the storming of the Bastille on 14th July in 1789 and the second was the Fête de la Fédération in 1790.  The storming of the Bastille prison proved a crucial turning point in the French Revolution, while the Fête de la Fédération the following year intended to mark the unity of the French people after the Revolution.

Celebrations French style

Today, Bastille Day – or “The National Holiday” as most locals refer to it – is characterised by joyous celebrations wherever you turn. Convivial groups of family and friends gather in streets, town squares and cafés. With music, public speeches and elaborate fireworks, the event is always a highlight. In Paris, the country’s heart, you will witness the oldest and largest military parade on the Champs-Élysées. This parade dates back to Bastille Day 1880. There are also fireworks that light up the capital from the Eiffel Tower and free admission to the Louvre.

Each French town and global French community commemorates Bastille Day with passion and flair, exuding levels of excitement and pride that you cannot help but get swept up in. People wear blue, white and red (“tricolore” clothes or make-up) and sing the Marseillaise with gusto.  This often occurs after enjoying one or two glasses of Champagne!

Bastille Day in Cap d’Antibes

Here in Cap d’Antibes, the local residents celebrate the national holiday with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the country. Look out for musical performances, large communal feasts, parades and dancing in the streets. There is also a magnificent fireworks display that takes place over the bay of Juan-les-Pins at 10.30pm.

To mark this special day there is also a complimentary evening at the Jazz à Juan festival. Here festival-goers are treated to world-class music in the Gould pine grove. This year’s artists for Bastille Day include Omri Mor, Ekram and Electro Deluxe from 8:30 pm. As expected numbers are limited, so make sure to request your invitation online (www.jazzajuan.com) before 24th June.

During the day on 14th July, there is a traditional boules carrées (cuboid bowls) competition at Place du Safranier, Antibes. The competition is open to all from 10 am. Participants just pay a small fee on the day (www.lacommunelibredusafranier.fr). On Saturday 13th July there is also a fireworks display at 10pm in the Salis bay, Antibes, as well as a public dance from 9pm at the Place Nationale and Place du Safranier.

If you are in residence at Parc du Cap, why not soak up the party atmosphere and join a street party? Or you could observe the happy crowds from your Parc du Cap balcony with a flute of bubbly in hand? The French Riviera offers plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the traditions of Bastille Day. Before you know it, you will join the locals in joyously exclaiming “Liberté! Egalité! Fraternité!”.

 



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