Le 14 juillet.

I used to think the French celebrated Bastille Day. It was only through Domi that I discovered that the French never refer to Bastille Day.

With le 14 juillet almost upon us, I came across this short article from Life in Rural France and Beyond:

‘Ask a French person about Bastille Day, and you'll likely get a blank look. They don't call it that. Never have. To anyone here, tomorrow is simply le 14 Juillet, or la Fête Nationale if you want to be formal about it.

The name Bastille Day is an English invention. The French moved past the prison storming a long time ago. What's actually being commemorated is the Fête de la Fédération of 1790, held on the first anniversary of the fall of the Bastille, when the country came together in a moment of unity rather than violence. That's the day the Republic chose to remember.

This year, the celebrations carry more weight than usual. The military parade down the Champs-Élysées will feature the largest Ukrainian contingent since the war began, with Ukrainian troops marching alongside French soldiers as a show of continued support.

Macron has made Ukraine a centerpiece of the day, and the flyover will include aircraft from allied nations flying in formation. It's the most politically charged 14 Juillet in years.

And then there's the football. Tomorrow evening, while Paris is still humming from the parade, France plays Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. Two national events on the same day, competing for the same living rooms. It's going to be a busy day.
…

If you're in France tomorrow, wish someone a bonne fête nationale, not a happy Bastille Day. They'll appreciate the difference.

🇫🇷 Vive la République.’

Viva la Belle France ❤️🇫🇷❤️Read more