Bastille Day Fun Facts!

In the U.S. the country's independence is celebrated on July 4^th, and France has a similar holiday on July 14^th,  just ten days later called Bastille Day. Check out these Bastille Day Fun Facts!

Did You Know...

• Bastille Day happens every year on July 14^th
• The date is based on the storming of the "bastille", which happened July 14^th, 1789
• During the storming of the bastille, political prisoners were released
• France was ruled by King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette at the time
• Louis and Marie were forced to hide at the palace of Versailles because of the angry mobs
• Bastille Day is also celebrated in many french-speaking countries
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a large Bastille Day celebration that lasts four days - they even have a 43 foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower
• Much like July 4^th in the states, all over France people celebrate with fireworks, dances, and musical performances

• There were only 7 prisoners in the bastille when it was stormed (it was only big enough to hold 50)
• The mob that stormed the Bastille didn't just set prisoners free, they also armed themselves with weapons
• Bastille Day became a national holiday in France in 1880
• Bastille Day is recognized as the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution
• the French Republic was formed in 1792
• Before the republic was established, France went through a period called "The Reign of Terror," where many people of the aristocratic class were executed.
• At the end of the parade in Paris the French President usually gives a speech
• The oldest military parade in Europe is held in Paris on this day, starting at the Champs Elysées and ending at the Arc de Triomphe

Have Your Say

Do you celebrate Bastille Day? Let us know in the comments section below!