History of Bastille Day in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2025

Bastille Day, or le 14 juillet, is France's national day celebrated annually on July 14th. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal event during the French Revolution, symbolizing the end of the monarchy and the rise of the French Republic. The day is marked by military parades, public celebrations, fireworks, and festivities across France, representing national unity and the spirit of liberty.

1918: Military parade on the Champs-Élysées

Since 1918, the Bastille Day military parade has been held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, with the participation of the Allies as represented in the Versailles Peace Conference.

1924: Bastille Day Ball

Since 1924, New York City has been hosting the annual Bastille Day Ball.

1940: Ceremony in London

In 1940, during the German occupation of France, the Bastille Day ceremony took place in London under the command of General Charles de Gaulle.

1944: Ceremony in London

In 1944, during the German occupation of France, the Bastille Day ceremony took place in London under the command of General Charles de Gaulle.

1993: Franschhoek's weekend festival

Since 1993, Franschhoek's weekend festival has been celebrated in South Africa. French food, wine and other entertainment is provided throughout the festival.

2001: Public festivals in Portland

Since 2001, Portland, Oregon, has celebrated Bastille Day with crowds up to 8,000 in public festivals at various public parks.

2008: French market in Prague

Since 2008, Prague has hosted a French market called "Le marché du 14 juillet" ("Fourteenth of July Market") offering traditional French food and wine as well as music. The market takes place on Kampa Island, it is usually between 11 and 14 July. It acts as an event that marks the relinquish of the EU presidency from France to the Czech Republic.

2010: Bastille On Bishop

In 2010, the Bastille Day celebration "Bastille On Bishop" began in Dallas, Texas, and is held annually in the Bishop Arts District of the North Oak Cliff neighborhood.

2017: Carondelet saloon crawl

Carondelet, Missouri, began hosting an annual saloon crawl to celebrate Bastille Day in 2017.

2017: "Guinguette Party" in Miami

In 2017, Miami's Bastille Day celebration, organized by "French & Famous," had the theme "Guinguette Party" and attracted 1,200 francophiles at The River Yacht Club.

2018: End of Philadelphia's Bastille Day tradition

In 2018, Philadelphia's Bastille Day tradition, held at Eastern State Penitentiary, ended. The tradition involved Marie Antoinette throwing Tastykakes at the Parisian militia, as well as a re-enactment of the storming of the Bastille.