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Commemorating the storming of the Bastille on 14th July 1789, Bastille Day is celebrated in France every year as a national holiday. Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution. A symbol of arbitrary and absolute power of Louis the 16th ancient regime, Bastille was actually a prison infamous for its barbaric executions and torturous practices. With the storming of the Bastille, the people of France brought in the winds of change and the seeds of establishing democracy in France were sown.
Though only seven prisoners were held in the Bastille when it was captured, the storming of the prison marked a turning point in the history of the fight of the French people against their oppression of and heralded their impending liberty.Just like the ideals depicted on the tri-colored French national flag, Bastille Day marked the beginning of the Republic's three ideals namely Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Marking the birth of a sovereign nation and the end of an absolute monarchy, Bastille Day eventually helped form the First Republic of France in the year 1792. On Benjamin Raspail's recommendation, on 6th July 1880, Bastille Day was declared the French national holiday.
On Bastille Day, a huge military troop marches its way through the Champs-Elysees in Paris at 10 in the morning and fireworks light up the night sky from 10.30 onwards. On the eve of the festival, people dance at the Bastille Square and other balls around the city. The fire service stations also organize various programs on this day and celebrate the day with full gusto. People looking for something more exciting, taking a look at the big outdoor Gay Ball would provide for much enjoyment. Furthermore, you can also attend the Incredible Picnic (one of the biggest picnics in the whole world) that is held at more than 20 places all around France's departments.
Led by the President of France and jets in formation in the sky, the parade of the military troops on Champs-Elysees is perhaps the biggest attraction of the festivities on Bastille Day which starts from the Arc de Triomphe and ends at the Place de la Concorde.
After partying hard the whole day, people flock at Champ-de-Mars to witness a spectacular firework extravaganza at Trocadero. Apart from all these celebrations, the various bars and clubs around Paris also arrange for many celebrations throughout the day. Not only in Paris, but also throughout the whole of France, Bastille Day is celebrated on a grand manner. So, it would be very difficult for you to miss the spectacle!
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