Most people, including the French, associate the national holiday with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, widely considered to be the catalyst of the French Revolution. While it is true that the Bastille, a fortress-turned-prison was indeed violently stormed by the populace and the prisoners freed, the date was initially proposed in 1880 to commemorate the Festival of the Federation, a warm and hopeful event first held on July 14, 1790.
In 1880, when the idea of a national holiday was being floated, many different dates were proposed and the debate was polemic. Should it be September 21, honoring the official creation of the French Republic (1792)? Or perhaps February 24, the creation of the Second Republic (1848)? Or August 4, for the abolition of the feudal system (1789)? Ultimately, the politicians settled on the 14th as a way to appease everyone: Each could choose for himself what he was celebrating: A day of “democratic” violence or a symbolic festival of reconciliation.
…in practical terms. The general population had been led to believe that large numbers of prisoners were being held in deplorable conditions. However, during the event, only seven prisoners were discovered, in pretty good health. They were petty criminals: forgers, lunatics, and one aristocrat, all of whom disappeared before much else could be learned about them.
The famous Phrygian cap associated with the French Revolution was originally worn in Roman times by freed slaves. It was first adopted by the Americans during their Revolution as a symbol of freedom and democracy, then by the French.
The figure of the woman Marianne was chosen as the symbol of France at least in part, for these reasons:
A Frenchman would probably be confused if you wished him a happy Bastille Day. In France it is le quatorze juillet (“July 14th”) or la fête nationale (“the national holiday”)
After the French Revolution, the French briefly adopted a weird new calendar, the Republican Calendar (1792-1806). While the national holiday was never celebrated during this period, if it had been, it would not have been le quatorze juillet, but le 26 Messidor (the 26th of the month Messidor).
To celebrate the national holiday, you can attend a local fireman’s ball. Usually held on the eve of the holiday (July 13), these shindigs are hosted at the local fire station. Popular ticket items with local residents, practically every town has one. Other ways to celebrate include taking in a regional fireworks display or attending a local parade – the Paris défilé is known the oldest and biggest military parade in Europe.
Check out this video from Easy French on July 14th and its various traditions. Bonne fête nationale!