History of Bastille Day in Timeline
Bastille Day, celebrated annually on July 14th, is France's national day. Known in French as *le 14 juillet* or *la fête nationale*, it commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal event during the French Revolution. The day is marked by parades, festivals, and public celebrations throughout France, symbolizing liberty, equality, and fraternity.
1918: Military parade on the Champs-Élysées
In 1918, the Bastille Day military parade was held on the Champs-Élysées, with the participation of the Allies as represented in the Versailles Peace Conference.
1924: First Bastille Day Ball in New York City
Since 1924, New York City has hosted the annual Bastille Day Ball.
1940: Ceremony in London under Charles de Gaulle
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 under Charles de Gaulle
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: First Franschhoek weekend festival
Since 1993, Franschhoek in South Africa celebrates a weekend festival with French food, wine and entertainment.
2001: First public festivals in Portland, Oregon
Since 2001, Portland, Oregon has celebrated Bastille Day with public festivals.
2008: First French market in Prague
Since 2008, Prague hosts a French market "Le marché du 14 juillet" offering traditional French food and wine as well as music.
2017: First Saloon Crawl in Carondelet
Carondelet 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 a "Guinguette Party" theme and attracted 1,200 attendees.
2018: End of Philadelphia's Bastille Day tradition
In 2018, Philadelphia ended its tradition of celebrating Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary.
2020: Parade Cancellation due to COVID-19
In 2020, the Bastille Day military parade was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
