The French celebrate their freedom each year on July 14. On this day in 1789 supporters of the French Revolution stormed the Bastille, a prison in Paris, the capital of France.

Celebrations

The French celebrate the day much as Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, with fireworks and parades. The biggest parade runs on a broad avenue in Paris called the Champs-Élysées. There are speeches as well, with slogans such as Vive le 14 juillet! (Long live the 14th of July!) and À bas la Bastille! (Down with the Bastille!)

History

The Bastille was a fortress in Paris, built in the Middle Ages. It had eight towers and was surrounded by a water-filled moat. In the 17th century it was made into a prison. For many in France, it became a symbol of how kings oppressed the people.

On July 14, 1789, a mob advanced on the Bastille, intending to seize gunpowder that was stored within. After a fierce fight, the revolutionaries captured the prison. They found only seven prisoners. But the power of the people had been made known, encouraging the fighters for liberty and equality.

Bastille Day was first celebrated on July 14 the very next year, while the French Revolution was still in progress. Bastille Day did not become a French national holiday until 1880, long after the Bastille itself had been demolished by a revolutionary government.