How do French people celebrate Bastille Day?
The first Bastille Day celebrations took place on 14 July, 1790 – on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. This first celebration took place on the ground where the Eiffel Tower now stands. This piece of land is known as Champ-de-Mars. Since then, every year, the celebrations have taken place in France on the same date. In the photo above, you can see people dancing in a Paris street to celebrate Bastille Day. The dance is called un bal populaire. This photo was taken on 14 July, 1912. Nowadays, on 14th July, there are big parades in Paris, especially on the famous road called L’Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The French word for parade is défilé. The French flag flies everywhere and there are celebrations and fireworks all over France. The President of France holds a garden party at his residence in Paris. This residence is called Le Palais de l’Élysée. People take the day off work because it is an official holiday. It is a great time for children and families. C’est magni
