Even if you don’t speak a word of French, you can still get into the spirit of
Bastille Day. The quatorze juillet, or la fête
nationale française, commemorates the fateful storming of the Bastille (a
prison for “enemies” of the monarchy) and the beginning of the French
revolution. But more than the individual events that occurred on July 14th,
1789, the ideals behind this popular uprising are important to remember; many
lie at the heart of current day rebellions.
Bastille day commemorates the victory of the voice of the people against tyranny, absolute power, injustice and oppression. It’s a celebration of three fundamental French values that we hope will be universal some day: liberty, equality and fraternity for all people.
So while you’re putting the champagne on ice and considering which French bistro to dine at this evening, take a moment to ponder these ideas and raise a glass to the triomphe français.
Click on the icons below to hear what our Acclaro expats and Francophiles have to say about their Bastille day celebrations, past and present. Et bonne fête à tous!
Véronique says she'd celebrate the 14th in Paris at the firemen's ball, watch the parade and fireworks and then perhaps play a round of bocce ball.
If Stephanie were in Paris for Bastille Day, she'd picnic with her friends in the Bois De Vincennes
Ben plans to celebrate Bastille Day this year over dinner at a French restaurant with some colleagues, followed by a few glasses of Pastis.
Alyssa hopes to enjoy good food and champagne with colleagues and friends.
Nicolas is going to spend the holiday at the beach, taking in the sun and the sea and enjoying the company of his family.
Photo attribution: rosswebsdale
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