Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, is celebrated every year on the 14th of July to commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789. The word "Bastille" is pronounced /bæsˈtiːl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of "Bastille" is derived from the French language and is often misspelled as "Bastile". It is important to note that the correct spelling of this word has two L’s and an E at the end. This spelling is crucial for understanding the historical significance of the holiday.
Bastille Day refers to a national holiday celebrated in France on the 14th of July every year. Also known as La Fête Nationale in French, it commemorates one of the most crucial historical events in the country. The term "Bastille" refers to the medieval fortress, the Bastille Saint-Antoine, located in Paris. The Bastille was long associated with royal power and was primarily used as a state prison during the 18th century.
The significance of Bastille Day lies in its association with the beginning of the French Revolution. On July 14, 1789, a large crowd of Parisians stormed the Bastille, seeking to obtain gunpowder and release political prisoners. The fall of the Bastille not only symbolized the end of absolute monarchy but also represented the people's uprising against oppression and their demand for greater political and social rights. This event is considered a turning point in French history, leading to the eventual downfall of the monarchy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and, later, a republic.
Today, Bastille Day is a time when the French come together to celebrate their national unity and values. The holiday is marked with various festivities, including parades, fireworks, and public gatherings. It serves as a reminder of the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity – values that have played a significant role in shaping modern France. Bastille Day is not only observed within France but is also recognized and celebrated by French communities and embassies around the world.
The word "Bastille Day" is derived from the French term "Fête de la Bastille". "Fête" means festival or celebration, and "la Bastille" refers to the Bastille prison in Paris. Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, which is considered a significant event of the French Revolution. The attack on the prison marked a major turning point in the revolution and is celebrated as a national holiday in France.