July 14 – Celebrate Bastille Day

Bastille Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE BASTILLE DAY STEP-BY-STEP

•  Host a Bastille Day party with French food and decorations.
•  Find a French restaurant in your area; they’re bound to be celebrating.
•  Sample a selection of some French cheeses.
•  Try out some escargot (snails).
•  Take a course in French cuisine.
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Celebrate Bastille Day, the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille, which signaled the beginning of the French Revolution. The holiday is also known as la Fête nationale, or National Day. It is a public holiday in France, and many French expatriates and tourists travel to France to participate in the festivities. The most famous event is the Military Parade, which takes place on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Other events include firework displays, concerts, and feasts.

In recent years, Bastille Day has also become an opportunity to celebrate French culture and cuisine. Many restaurants offer special menus, and festivals are held across the country to showcase the best of France. So whether you’re in Paris or Provence, or anywhere else in the world, make sure to raise a glass of champagne on July 14th!  Celebrate Bastille Day!

HISTORY OF BASTILLE DAY

Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, is a celebration of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14th, 1789. This event marks a pivotal moment in French history.  Bastille Day is a celebration of freedom, but it has its roots in a dark time. The French Revolution was a time of great turmoil, marked by tyranny and oppression. The Bastille was a symbol of this oppression, a prison that stood as a reminder of the power of the king and his arbitrary rule.

When the revolutionaries stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789, they struck a blow for freedom that would resonate for centuries. The fascinating history of Bastille Day is one of courage and determination in the face of oppression, as well as a reminder of the horrors of tyranny. Today, Bastille Day is celebrated around the world as a symbol of hope and the triumph of the human spirit over oppression.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE BASTILLE DAY

1. French Cuisine Cooking Class: Host a cooking class featuring traditional French dishes, allowing participants to learn new culinary skills while celebrating French culture.
2. Outdoor Picnic: Organize an outdoor picnic with French-inspired foods like baguettes, cheese, and wine, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere for friends and family.
3. French Film Marathon: Arrange a movie marathon showcasing French films or documentaries, providing entertainment and insight into French cinema and culture.
4. Bastille Day Parade: Attend or organize a Bastille Day parade, featuring floats, music, and marching bands to commemorate the historic events of the French Revolution.
5. Wine Tasting Event: Host a wine tasting event featuring French wines from different regions, allowing guests to sample and appreciate the diversity of French winemaking.
6. French Language Workshop: Offer a French language workshop or conversation group for beginners or enthusiasts to practice speaking and learning French phrases.
7. French Art Exhibition: Visit an art gallery or museum showcasing French artists and artworks, appreciating the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of France.
8. Historical Reenactments: Stage historical reenactments or theatrical performances depicting key moments from the French Revolution, educating and entertaining participants.
9. French Music Concert: Attend a live music concert featuring French musicians or bands performing French songs and compositions, celebrating the vibrant music scene of France.
10. Bastille Day Brunch: Host a brunch featuring French-inspired dishes such as croissants, quiche, and crepes, providing a festive and indulgent dining experience.
11. French Cultural Workshops: Offer workshops on French culture, history, and traditions, allowing participants to explore various aspects of French life and heritage.
12. Petanque Tournament: Organize a petanque tournament, a traditional French game similar to boules, where players compete in teams to throw metal balls as close as possible to a target.
13. French Fashion Show: Arrange a fashion show featuring French designers and fashion trends, showcasing the elegance and style of French haute couture.
14. Bastille Day Fireworks: Attend or organize a fireworks display in the evening, illuminating the sky with colorful bursts of light to mark the celebration of Bastille Day.
15. French Cheese Tasting: Host a cheese tasting session featuring a selection of French cheeses, providing an opportunity to savor and appreciate the rich flavors and textures.
16. French Literature Reading Group: Start a book club or reading group focused on French literature, discussing classic novels, poetry, and contemporary works by French authors.
17. Bastille Day Bike Ride: Organize a bike ride or cycling tour through scenic routes, exploring the countryside or city streets while enjoying the spirit of Bastille Day.
18. French Cultural Performances: Attend cultural performances such as dance recitals, theater productions, or musical performances featuring French artists and performers.
19. French Flag Decoration: Decorate with French flags and tricolor ribbons to create a festive ambiance and show solidarity with the French people on Bastille Day.
20. French Dessert Buffet: Indulge in a dessert buffet featuring French pastries, macarons, and tarts, satisfying sweet cravings and delighting taste buds with French delicacies.
21. Bastille Day Art and Craft Fair: Visit or organize an art and craft fair showcasing French-inspired artwork, handicrafts, and artisanal products.
22. French Garden Party: Host a garden party with French-themed decorations, music, and games, offering a charming and elegant outdoor celebration.
23. French Cultural Film Screening: Screen French cultural films or documentaries exploring aspects of French history, society, and culture, providing educational and entertaining content.
24. Bastille Day Charity Event: Organize a charity event or fundraiser in support of French-related causes or organizations, demonstrating solidarity and compassion on Bastille Day.
25. French Cultural Heritage Tours: Arrange guided tours of French landmarks, historical sites, or neighborhoods with French influence, immersing participants in the rich cultural heritage of France.
26. Coq au Vin: A classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, onions, and herbs.
27. Bouillabaisse: A flavorful fish stew originating from Marseille, typically made with various seafood, tomatoes, saffron, and herbs.
28. Ratatouille: A Provencal vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
29. Beef Bourguignon: A hearty beef stew cooked with red wine, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and herbs, originating from the Burgundy region.
30. Cassoulet: A rich and hearty slow-cooked casserole made with white beans, various meats such as duck, pork, and sausage, and flavored with tomatoes and herbs.
31. Duck à l’Orange: Roast duck served with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, a classic French dish known for its delicious flavor combination.
32. Salade Niçoise: A refreshing salad originating from Nice, typically made with lettuce, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tuna or anchovies, olives, and vinaigrette.
33. Quiche Lorraine: A savory pie filled with a custard made from eggs, cream, and bacon, originating from the Lorraine region of France.
34. Crepes: Thin pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter, served with sweet or savory fillings such as Nutella, jam, cheese, or ham.
35. Bœuf en Daube: A traditional beef stew from the Provence region, slow-cooked with red wine, vegetables, and herbs.
36. Soupe à l’Oignon: French onion soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, toasted bread, and melted cheese on top.
37. Poulet Basquaise: A Basque-style chicken dish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices, showcasing the flavors of the Basque region.
38. Bouche à la Reine: Puff pastry shells filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, mushrooms, and bechamel sauce, often served as an elegant appetizer or main course.
39. Tarte Tatin: A caramelized upside-down apple tart made with buttery pastry and caramelized apples, a beloved French dessert.
40. Sole Meunière: Pan-fried sole fish served with a brown butter and lemon sauce, a simple yet elegant seafood dish.
41. Pot-au-Feu: A classic French beef stew made with tender beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, often served with crusty bread and mustard.
42. Escargot: Snails cooked in garlic butter and served in their shells, a traditional French delicacy enjoyed as an appetizer.
43. Croque Monsieur: A grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce and grated cheese, a popular French comfort food.
44. Confit de Canard: Duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat until tender and crispy, a specialty of the Gascony region.
45. Tarte Flambée: A thin Alsatian pizza topped with fromage blanc or crème fraîche, onions, and bacon or ham, resembling a flatbread.
46. Salade Lyonnaise: A salad from Lyon made with frisée lettuce, lardons, a poached egg, and a vinaigrette dressing, offering a mix of textures and flavors.
47. Moules Marinières: Steamed mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, shallots, and parsley, a classic French seafood dish.
48. Piperade: A Basque dish made with sautéed bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers, often served as a side dish or with eggs.
49. Cassoulet Toulousain: A variation of cassoulet from Toulouse, made with white beans, duck confit, pork sausages, and pork skin, slow-cooked until rich and flavorful.
50. Fondue Savoyarde: A melted cheese fondue made with a blend of cheeses such as Gruyère and Emmental, served with bread for dipping, originating from the Savoie region.
51. Crème Brûlée: A creamy custard topped with caramelized sugar, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
52. Macarons: Delicate almond meringue cookies filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam, available in a variety of flavors and colors.
53. Tarte Tatin: An upside-down caramelized apple tart with a buttery pastry crust, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
54. Profiteroles: Light and airy choux pastry filled with whipped cream or ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
55. Éclairs: Long, thin pastries filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate ganache or icing, offering a delicious treat for any occasion.
56. Madeleines: Small sponge cakes with a distinctive shell shape, flavored with lemon zest or almonds, perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee.
57. Mille-Feuille: Layers of puff pastry and pastry cream, topped with icing or powdered sugar, creating a decadent and visually stunning dessert.
58. Clafoutis: A baked French dessert made with fresh fruit, typically cherries, nestled in a custard-like batter, reminiscent of a sweet and comforting pudding.
59. Pain Perdu: French toast made with thick slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, then pan-fried until golden and served with syrup or fruit compote.
60. Tarte aux Fruits: A fresh fruit tart with a buttery pastry crust and a layer of pastry cream or almond frangipane, topped with an assortment of seasonal fruits.
61. Île Flottante: A light and airy dessert consisting of poached meringue floating on a sea of crème anglaise, garnished with caramel or toasted almonds.
62. Charlotte: A dessert made with ladyfinger biscuits or sponge cake, filled with layers of fruit, custard, or mousse, and chilled until set.
63. Gâteau Basque: A traditional Basque cake filled with pastry cream or fruit preserves, featuring a buttery almond-flavored pastry crust.
64. Tarte au Citron: A tangy lemon tart made with a buttery pastry crust and a silky smooth lemon curd filling, perfect for citrus lovers.
65. Baba au Rhum: Yeast-risen cakes soaked in a rum syrup and typically topped with whipped cream or fruit, offering a boozy and indulgent dessert experience.
66. Pots de Crème: Individual pots of rich and creamy chocolate custard, served chilled and garnished with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
67. Far Breton: A traditional Breton dessert resembling a custard tart, made with prunes or other dried fruits soaked in rum or brandy.
68. Cannelés: Small French pastries with a caramelized crust and a soft custard-like center, flavored with rum and vanilla.
69. Galette des Rois: A puff pastry cake filled with almond cream, traditionally served in January to celebrate Epiphany, with a hidden trinket inside.
70. Pain d’Épices: French spiced bread made with honey, flour, and warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, perfect for snacking or enjoying with cheese.
71. Tarte Tropézienne: A brioche-like cake filled with a creamy custard or whipped cream filling, originating from the town of Saint-Tropez.
72. Palmiers: Flaky puff pastry cookies shaped like palm leaves, caramelized with sugar and baked until golden and crisp.
73. Financiers: Small almond cakes made with almond flour, brown butter, and egg whites, named for their resemblance to gold bars.
74. Mousse au Chocolat: Light and airy chocolate mousse made with whipped cream, eggs, and melted chocolate, served chilled and garnished with chocolate curls or berries.
75. Tarte aux Pommes: A classic French apple tart made with thinly sliced apples arranged in a buttery pastry crust and glazed with apricot jam for a shiny finish.
76. French Flag Bunting: Create festive bunting using red, white, and blue fabric or paper to decorate your Bastille Day celebrations.
77. Eiffel Tower Centerpiece: Construct miniature Eiffel Tower centerpieces using wire, cardboard, or paper to add a touch of Parisian charm to your table decor.
78. Fleur-de-Lis Napkin Rings: Craft elegant napkin rings featuring the iconic fleur-de-lis symbol using clay, wire, or decorative beads.
79. French Revolution Timeline: Design a timeline mural or poster illustrating key events of the French Revolution, educating and commemorating the historical significance of Bastille Day.
80. French Flag Tote Bags: Customize tote bags with a French flag design using fabric paint, stencils, or iron-on transfers for a patriotic accessory.
81. Paris Skyline Lanterns: Make lanterns featuring the silhouette of the Paris skyline using glass jars, black paint, and LED candles for a romantic ambiance.
82. Bastille Day Garland: Craft a garland adorned with French-themed elements such as mini Eiffel Towers, fleur-de-lis, and French flags to adorn your party space.
83. French Map Wall Art: Create wall art using vintage French maps or prints, framed or decoupaged onto canvas, celebrating French geography and culture.
84. French-themed Coasters: Make coasters featuring French landmarks, cuisine, or phrases using decoupage, resin, or ceramic tile techniques.
85. Revolutionary Costume Accessories: Sew tricolor sashes, rosettes, or liberty caps to accessorize Revolutionary-era costumes for themed celebrations.
86. Bastille Day Photo Booth Props: Design and assemble photo booth props inspired by French culture, such as berets, mustaches, and miniature baguettes.
87. Liberty Tree Seedlings: Package and distribute tree seedlings as symbolic gifts, representing the Liberty Tree planted during the French Revolution.
88. French Revolution Bookmarks: Craft bookmarks featuring quotes, symbols, or images related to the French Revolution using cardstock, stamps, and ribbons.
89. Marie Antoinette Paper Fans: Create decorative paper fans embellished with portraits of Marie Antoinette, lace, and ribbon for an aristocratic touch.
90. Bastille Day Wreath: Design a wreath using tricolor ribbons, silk flowers, and miniature French flags to adorn your front door or party entrance.
91. Revolutionary Tricorn Hats: Construct tricorn hats out of felt or cardstock, reminiscent of the headwear worn during the French Revolution.
92. Parisian Cafe Chalkboard Signs: Repurpose old picture frames as chalkboard signs to display French phrases, menus, or quotes from famous French authors.
93. French Revolution Propaganda Posters: Design and print replica propaganda posters from the French Revolution era, highlighting revolutionary slogans and imagery.
94. Liberty Lanterns: Decorate paper lanterns with liberty-inspired motifs such as the Phrygian cap, liberty torch, and slogans of freedom.
95. Bastille Day Memory Jars: Create memory jars filled with notes of gratitude, wishes, or reflections on liberty and equality, to be opened on future Bastille Days.
96. Revolutionary Pennant Flags: Sew or paint pennant flags featuring revolutionary symbols and slogans to hang as banners or decorations.
97. Liberty Bell Wind Chimes: Craft wind chimes using miniature liberty bells and patriotic ribbons, celebrating the ideals of liberty and independence.
98. French Revolution Silhouette Art: Design silhouette art depicting scenes from the French Revolution using black paper cutouts against a colorful background.
99. Liberty Garland: String together paper or fabric cutouts of liberty symbols such as torches, laurel wreaths, and flags to create a festive garland.
100. Revolutionary Lantern Luminaries: Make luminaries using glass jars or paper bags decorated with revolutionary symbols and illuminated with LED tea lights for nighttime ambiance.

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