Bastille Day History Traditions and Fun Facts for Students

🎆 Introduction

Every year on July 14, people in France and French communities around the world celebrate Bastille Day-known in France as La Fête Nationale. It marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution.

Bastille Day is France's national holiday, similar to Independence Day in the United States. It's a day of parades, music, fireworks, and pride in French history and culture.

📜 History and Origins

In the late 1700s, the people of France were unhappy with their king, high taxes, and unfair treatment. On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a prison in Paris that symbolized royal power.

The event became a symbol of freedom and the fight for equality. A year later, on July 14, 1790, France held the Fête de la Fédération, a huge celebration of unity, which inspired the official holiday.

🎉 Traditions and Customs

🎖️ Military Parade

The largest parade in France takes place along the Champs-Élysées in Paris, attended by the president and world leaders.

🎆 Fireworks Shows

Spectacular displays light up the Eiffel Tower and cities across France.

🎶 Music and Dancing

Public dances and concerts fill town squares.

🍷 Food and Picnics

Families and friends gather for outdoor meals with French favorites like baguettes, cheese, and pastries.

🌟 Symbols and Meanings

• 🇫🇷 French Flag (Tricolore) - Blue, white, and red for liberty, equality, fraternity.

• 🏰 Bastille Prison - Symbol of oppression before the Revolution.

• 🎶 La Marseillaise - France's national anthem, often sung on Bastille Day.

🌍 How It's Celebrated Today

Bastille Day is celebrated in every region of France, as well as in French territories and communities worldwide. French embassies often hold receptions, and cities from New Orleans to Sydney host French-themed events.

💡 Fun Facts

• 🗓️ Bastille Day is called La Fête Nationale in France, not "Bastille Day."

• 🗼 The Eiffel Tower's fireworks show is one of the most famous in the world.

• 🎖️ The Paris military parade is the oldest regular military parade in Europe.

• 🎶 "La Marseillaise" became the national anthem in 1795.

📚 Vocabulary List

1. Bastille - A prison in Paris that became a symbol of royal power.

2. Revolution - A major change in government or society.

3. Liberty - Freedom from control by others.

4. Equality - The state of being equal in rights and opportunities.

5. Fraternity - Friendship and unity among people.

6. Parade - A public procession celebrating an event.

7. Anthem - A song expressing pride for a country.

8. Tricolore - The French flag with three colors.

📝 Key Takeaways

• Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 each year.

• It marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 during the French Revolution.

• Traditions include parades, fireworks, music, and gatherings.

• The holiday is called La Fête Nationale in France.

• It celebrates freedom, unity, and national pride.

🧠 Interactive Quiz

1. When is Bastille Day celebrated?
A) July 4
B) July 14
C) August 15
D) June 21

2. What event does Bastille Day commemorate?
A) End of World War II
B) Signing of the Declaration of Independence
C) Storming of the Bastille prison
D) Founding of Paris

3. What does the French flag’s three colors represent?
A) Peace, justice, harmony
B) Liberty, equality, fraternity
C) Sun, moon, stars
D) Hope, unity, prosperity

4. Where is the largest Bastille Day parade held?
A) Marseille
B) Lyon
C) Paris
D) Nice

5. What is France’s national anthem called?
A) God Save the King
B) La Marseillaise
C) O Canada
D) The Star-Spangled Banner

6. What is another name for Bastille Day in France?
A) La Fête Nationale
B) Jour de Liberté
C) Journée de Paris
D) Le Grand Défilé

7. Which famous landmark often has a fireworks display on Bastille Day?
A) Eiffel Tower
B) Notre Dame Cathedral
C) Louvre Museum
D) Arc de Triomphe

8. What year did the French Revolution begin?
A) 1776
B) 1789
C) 1795
D) 1801