Bastille Day

Bastille Day History

Bastille Day commemorates a pivotal event in the French Revolution and celebrates the unity of the French nation. The day honors the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the end for the French monarchy and the rise of modern France.

Bastille Day is significant not only to the French but also to Americans due to the intertwined histories of the two nations. Both countries experienced revolutionary events that challenged the concept of absolute monarchy and feudal systems in the eighteenth century. The French Revolution was inspired in part by the American Revolution, and in turn, the ideals of liberty, fraternity, and equality championed by the French people during their revolution influenced the development of American democracy.

French restaurants and cultural institutions typically host special events, while some American cities hold parades and street fairs with traditional French cuisine and live music. One notable Bastille Day celebration in the U.S. occurs annually in New Orleans, where the city's French heritage is showcased through a multitude of events, including a historical reenactment of the storming of the Bastille. Bastille Day celebrations in the United States are held on July 14th.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Bastille Day (France)

• In the lead-up to the 2026 observance of France's national holiday, several historical links and cultural traditions are expected to capture significant interest within the United States.
  
  While most Americans refer to the holiday as Bastille Day, citizens in France actually call the celebration La Fête Nationale or simply Le Quatorze Juillet.
• The 2026 festivities hold special significance as they coincide with the United States' own Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years of diplomatic relations and friendship between the two nations since the American Revolution.
• A tangible symbol of this historical bond is the Key to the Bastille, which was sent by the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington in 1790 and remains on public display at the Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
• Contrary to popular belief, the storming of the fortress in 1789 was motivated primarily by the need for gunpowder rather than the release of captives, as the prison held only seven inmates at the time of the uprising.
• The holiday also commemorates the Fête de la Fédération of 1790, a massive assembly held one year after the initial revolt to symbolize national reconciliation and the unity of the French people.
• One of the most beloved and quirky traditions of the season is the Bal des Pompiers, where fire stations across France open their doors to the public for late-night dance parties and fundraising.
• Thomas Jefferson, who was serving as the American minister to France during the uprising, was a firsthand witness to the early days of the revolution and even contributed 60 francs to the families of those who had been killed or wounded during the siege.
• The world-famous quote "Let them eat cake," often attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette during the bread shortages of the late 18th century, is considered by many historians to be a myth with no contemporary evidence that she ever uttered the phrase.
• The military parade held annually on the Champs-Élysées is recognized as the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe, featuring a spectacular aerial display by the Patrouille de France that paints the sky in the colors of the tricolore flag.

In the News and Trending in the US for Bastille Day

Bastille Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Watch the Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. They usually start around 11pm and can be viewed from the Champs de Mars and Trocadero.
• Go out to a French Restaurant. Many have specials for this day.
• Read The Bastille: A History of a Symbol of Despotism and Freedom by Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink.
• Cities with French cultural centers, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., often organize special events, exhibitions, or performances around Bastille Day.
• To immerse yourself in French gastronomy, visit French restaurants or bakeries in your area.