Figure 1.--This cabinet card portait shows part a French National Day celebration somewhere in France. The photograph was undated, but looks to have ben taken about 1905. The boys may be preparing to participate in a neighnorhood parade. |
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Le Quatorze Juilletis what the French call thaeir national day or Fête Nationale. Bastille Day is popular name in English-speaking countries, but is not used in France. It is similar to independence day in many countries, but that term is not appropraite as France was not ruled by a foreign country. Rather is seen as the point in history that the French people seized control of their country from the monarchy. It is celevrated on July 14. This was the day that the people of Paris stormed the Bastille. This was a medieval fort that became the main Parisian jail. It loomed over Paris. It was decrepit, but it was where political prisoners were still imprisoned. To the people of Paris, the Bastille was notorious as the place where the king imprisoned people who opposed his absolute rule without due process of law. It was the first use of force against the monarchy and thus seen at the launching of the French Revolution. It was the very point that the Revolution turned violent. The enraged Parisian mobs after storming the Bastille tore the garrison to pieces. A year kater the first celebration was held. That first clebration was called the Fête de la Fédération which honored the achievemednt of the unity of the liberated French people. July 14, 1790. Celebrations are organized throughout France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is staged in Paris, down the Champs-Élysées. It is presuided over by the President of the Republic with other French officials and foreign dignitaries. There are other parades as well as concerts. Picnics are not as common as in America, but many families treat themselves to a restaurant outing. Paris, there is a large open-air dance in Place de la Bastille, where the prison stood. There are aksi celbratory dances other cities as well. Another traditioin is opoen day at firehouses. At night fire works displays are held all over the country.
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