Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called Fête nationale; (The National Celebration) and commonly Le quatorze Juillet (the fourteenth of July) and is the biggest celebration in France and marks the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. Many people in France associated it with the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy in the late 1700s. On July 14, 1789, troops stormed the Bastille. This was a pivotal event at the beginning of the French Revolution.
The French love to celebrate and celebrate they do...often you stumble across small villages and towns across France celebrating some cultural, historical or local tradition. Often the entire village join forces to decorate the town,provide music and often a firework display.
I was fortunate to be in France in 2009 over the Bastille Day festivities and the local village of Jumilhac Le Grande, where my sister lives, was no exception. The Chateau provided a wonderful backdrop to the village square, whilst also being a great launch pad for the evening fireworks extravaganza.
My sister has just sent me these photos of her celebrations, so far.
Enjoy!
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