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Bastille Day: France's National Celebration on the 14th of July

The 14^th of July is France’s annual day of national celebration! In the public imagination, this day celebrates the storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution, however in reality it actually commemorates the Federation of France in 1790 (Fête de la Fédération de 1790). This latter event gave rise to numerous symbols representing the French Republic: the Marseillaise (the French national anthem), Marianne, the red, white and blue flag etc. What happened, however, on the 14^th of July 1789 and why did this day become France’s national day of celebration?

The French Revolution

The 14th of July is a significant day in France. On the morning of 14 July 1789, the people of Paris took up arms and marched towards the Bastille, an ancient royal fortress used as a prison for criminals, spies, and opponents of the king.

At the time, France was ruled by a monarchy. Living conditions were difficult, and discontent among the population was high. The French people had lost faith in King Louis XVI, largely due to mounting political, economic, and social pressures.

In 1793, Louis XVI and Marie‑Antoinette were executed at the Place de la Révolution (now known as Place de la Concorde).

The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of a long and chaotic period, but also the first major victory of the French Republic over the monarchy. It symbolised the definitive break with the Ancien Régime and the end of French royalty.

The Revolution gave France the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaims:

• equality of citizens before the law
• fundamental liberties
• national sovereignty exercised through elected representatives

Over time, the concept of secularism also emerged as a key principle in protecting human rights.

Which lasting symbols were created?

The French Revolution gave birth to powerful symbols that still define the French Republic today.

Notable legacies include:

• Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: the national motto, reflecting freedom, equality, and fraternity as foundational republican values
• La Marseillaise: originally a revolutionary call to arms, adopted as the French national anthem in 1879
• The tricolour flag: red, white, and blue, combining the monarch’s colour (white) with the colours of Paris (blue and red)
• Marianne: a female allegory of liberty, wearing a liberty cap, representing the Republic

Busts of Marianne can be found in every French town hall. Over time, her image has been inspired by well‑known French figures such as Catherine Deneuve and Brigitte Bardot.

Commemorations in France and overseas

For more than a century, France has commemorated 14 July 1789 with nationwide celebrations.

Across the country, festivities typically include:

• military parades (most notably on the Champs‑Élysées in Paris, attended by the French President)
• concerts and public balls
• fireworks displays in the evening

More than 230 years later, the French Revolution continues to resonate far beyond France. It remains a powerful symbol of the fight for individual freedoms and universal equality.

Today, the Revolution is celebrated worldwide through exhibitions, performances, and cultural events — including in Melbourne, where Bastille Day is marked each July with vibrant festivities.

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