Jul 14, 2023
Bastille Day 2023
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates France’s Fête Nationale (National Day), known as Bastille Day in English-speaking countries. On this day in 1789, French citizens united and charged the Bastille prison fortress, starting the French Revolution.
The people of Paris fought back after years of mistreatment by the monarchy, and the storming of the Bastille represents the first victory against tyranny. On the one-year anniversary of the triumph, delegates from all over France met in Paris for a celebration called Fête de la Fédération (Festival of the Federation) to honor the achievements of the revolution in solidarity.
Today, festivities take place across France on le Quatorze Juillet (the 14th of July). Military parades march by in different cities, accompanied by aircraft flyovers that spray streams of blue, white, and red smoke. Dance performances showcase various talents, people attend free concerts, and the night ends with magnificent fireworks displays.
Vive le 14 Juillet ! Long live the 14th of July!
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