The revolutionaries who inspired France’s Bastille Day

A mob of revolutionaries, tired of being ruled by their king, stormed a prison, freed the prisoners inside, and got away with stealing hoards of weapons.

The attack on the Bastille on July 14, 1789, became known as Bastille Day. It kick-started the war that would end with the French king giving up his power, and it’s still celebrated every year in France.

This year, Bastille Day — also known as the National Day of France or Fête nationale — is on Wednesday. According to Britannica, the French celebrate the holiday much like Americans celebrate the Fourth of July.

Bastille Day is considered one of the more important holidays in France and signifies the independence of France. Bastille Day was officially named a holiday in 1880, but it was first celebrated in 1790.

France celebrates with events like Firemen’s Balls, or bal de pompiers, where you can dance and mingle with firefighters. There is also a large military parade held on the Champs-Élysées, a famous shopping avenue, that the French president usually attends.

Dreaming of having your own Bastille Day party or fête? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Eat French foods

Although the French don’t associate any specific foods with Bastille Day like we do for Fourth of July — like hot dogs, watermelon, hamburgers, potato chips and Popsicles — eating French food is always a celebration for your stomach.

Try some snacks that are popular in France, such as crêpes, pastries, croissants or quiche.

2. Read an immersive book set in France

“Madeline,” written by author Ludwig Bemelmans, takes readers through Paris, featuring famous places such as the Eiffel Tower, the Opera, Notre Dame, and the Luxembourg Gardens.

If you could visit France, what sites would you want to visit the most?

3. Watch a movie set in Paris

Disney’s “Ratatouille,” named after a French stewed vegetable dish, takes place in the French capital of Paris. Remy the rat befriends Chef Alfredo Linguini, and the duo turn a shared dream of becoming chefs into a reality — while they attempt to stop villain Chef Skinner.

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