Happy Bastille Day 2016
July 14 may be just another day for us here in the UK but over in France it is their biggest national holiday. The day in question is known as Bastille Day and is celebrated throughout France and other French-speaking regions around the world.
Many of you may not be aware of why this day exists or what it is all about, but don't worry because the UK's favourite personal alarm provider is here to give you a quick guide to Bastille Day so that you will understand why the French celebrate it.
What is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day remembers the astonishing events of July 14, 1789 - when French residents stormed the prison of Bastille and helped to kick-start the French Revolution. This prison was used to hold anybody who challenged the King and Queen, which happened quite often during this time.
France was full of poverty and dispute and many residents believed that the system was corrupt. To the people of France, the King and Queen were not interested in helping the poor and something had to be done.
Tired of being forgotten about the public decided to fight back after the King announced he was to raise taxes even further. Around 300 people went along and stormed through the prison walls and a battle ensued. By the end of the battle 98 residents had died along with one defender of the prison, whilst the Governor Bernard-René de Launay was also killed.
The storming of the famous prison triggered a series of events which would eventually lead to King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette being sent to the guillotine in 1793. Within weeks of the historic day, the National Assembly had abolished feudalism and adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen as its constitution.
Why Bastille Prison
Bastille prison was seen by the people as a symbol of royal authority. If you spoke out against the King or Queen then this is where you would be sent, without any trial. The prison itself has quite an interesting past and was involved in the 100 Years War.
The Bastille was built back in the 14 Century as a fortress to defend eastern Paris from an attack by the British during the 100 Years War. Once the city had been captured by King Henry V's forces, the English used the fortress as a prison.
Since then it became one of the most famous buildings in France and will now always be remembered as being part of the day which helped the French people to re-gain their freedom.
How and where is Bastille Day Celebrated?
Celebrations will be held today across France and around the world in French communities. Cities which celebrate Bastille Day include New Orleans, Sydney and Melbourne, whilst there will also be celebrations in countries such as Hungary, New Zealand and Ireland.
London's Borough Market also turns French for the day with a special festival to mark around 300,000 French people living right here in the United Kingdom.
In the morning of Bastille Day the largest and oldest military parade in Europe is held down the Champs-Élysées, with French troops marching down the famous street in front of the President and other officials. In the evening there will be a firework spectacular at the Eiffel Tower.
People in quieter regions of the country spend the day with friends and family and eat celebratory meals or picnics.
We hope that you found this quick guide helpful! Don't forget to look at our personal alarm guide page to find out more about our life-saving service.
