The 14th July which is the French National day, also called Bastille Day in English-speaking countries, commemorates the anniversary of the French revolution with the storming on the Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of the French revolution but above all as this is not so well known, commemorates the unity of the French people at the Fête de la Fédération a year later in 1790.
But it is only a century later in 1880 that the commemoration of the 14th July begins and that the Marseillaise becomes the national hymn. This is nowadays a Bank holiday.
Public celebrations are attended across France, the main one being the military parade in Paris but also musical performance and balls such as “les bals du 14 Juillet” and spectacular fireworks displays.
So where will you be celebrating?...