Bastille Day is an annual event celebrated by all Alliance Française branches across the world.
The Alliance Française de Central Queensland usually hosts a Gala Dinner to celebrate.
For more information on please phone Pat Handley on 4934 1363, or email pope_nola@bigpond.com
Bastille Day (referred to as 'la fête de la Bastille' or 'la fête nationale' on French is a French national holiday
celebrated on the 14th of July.
It commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of
the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis
XVI's Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king's power was no longer
absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.
Paris celebrates Bastille Day (referred to as La Fête de la
Bastille or La Fête Nationale in French), marks the first
major event of the French Revolution of 1789.
The destruction of the Bastille prison in central Paris was
chosen as a symbol of France's first stirrings of
democracy, though it would take several reinstated
monarchies and bloody revolutions to establish an
enduring Republic.
Similar in spirit to American Independence Day or Canada
Day, Bastille Day is a festive event that splashes fireworks
and patriotic processions across Paris.