Let’s Hear It For The French!

Yes, let’s hear it for the French!  Bastille Day having been celebrated in France yesterday, we thought it would be fun to raise the French flag and salute France.

Bastille Day, or the French National Day, is celebrated every year on July 14 and commemorates the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille in Paris which took place on July 14, 1789.  The Bastille was a large medieval fortress which was being used as a prison where political prisoners were held.  Although seldom used, it became known as a symbol, in the minds of the French people, of the very harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy.  The building was stormed and captured signalling the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of the ancien régime, or old order.

Certainly, for the majority of the population, life was very difficult before the French Revolution so there was cause for much celebration as the monarchy was pulled down.  It was not until 1880 that this day was made a national commemorative holiday.

Lots of parades all over France are staged and much celebration goes on.  We feel sure that a lot of people are still celebrating today holding onto the joy of life in France today.

Thank you, France, for all that you are – merci, merci beaucoup!  We always enjoy visiting you.