July 14, 2018

Bastille Day

Written by Rachel Hanretty

Every year France celebrates Bastille Day on the 14th July. But from this side of the Channel, it isn't very clear what it actually stands for. So, we asked Estelle from La Classe d'Estelle to tell us.

 

Did you know that when the storming of the Bastille took place on the 14th July 1789, France was ruled by King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette? This event 'basically a prison break but from the outside' was essentially the start of France's revolution against the monarchy. There were only 7 people in the prison but many weapons with which the revolutionaries could start a fight.

 After that day, Louis XVI was still the king but he had less power and the country was moving towards a more democratic government for the first time.

The 14th July only became the French National Day in 1880.

Each year, France invites a guest country to the 14th of July parade. This year, Singapore and Japan are the guest countries. Do you know who was invited last year ?

 

Estelle runs French classes at Mademoiselle Macaron and hosts online sessions via her website

 

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