Ten days after the Fourth of July, Daley Plaza will again be decked out in red, white, and blue to celebrate France’s National Day, Bastille Day. Because of this, Bastille became a symbol of the oppressive monarchy and was the reason why it was targeted by the people of Paris when they stormed the fortress on July 14, 1789.
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Jets for the Patrouille de France fly over the Champs Elysees avenue during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. Many wore helmets and sunglasses to hide their identity as they marched down the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
President Francois Hollande used his Bastille Day message to the French on Tuesday to call for a strengthening of the 19-nation eurozone in the wake of the Greece crisis, with long-term reforms such as the creation of the bloc’s own elected assembly.
Heads of state from 40 countries and a global television audience of 500m watched the procession – devised and organised by Jean-Paul Goude – down the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde. Other popular activities including Fireman’s Ball, which are a series of parties hosted by France’s fire stations who open their doors for the day turning the city into a giant outdoor fair. It culminated in a powerful rendition of the French national anthem – the Marseillaise – by opera singer Jessye Norman.
Forget bacon and cabbage, Dublin’s culinary scene will have some French flair this week as the capital celebrates Bastille Day.
A long day of festivities is marked with a dramatic display of fireworks launched from the Eiffel Tower.
Bastille Day Chicago 2014.
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This playlist features music you really need to hear by French artists.
