Bonne fête nationale!
There is nothing more on-brand than an all-out celebration of French culture. Needless to say, we are ready to slip into our party loafers and indulge in the biggest national holiday in France!
Every year on le quatorze juillet celebrations are held across France to honour the birth of la République with fireworks, floats, parades, and bien sûr wine and great food. But you don’t have to be in France to participate!
Here is a little background, and some info on where you can enjoy the festivities here in Australia:
Une histoire brève
Bastille Day commemorates the 14th of July, 1789 when, during a time of economic uncertainty and political unrest, a group of working-class Frenchmen stormed the Bastille, freeing political prisoners and sparking the Revolution. As a state prison, the Bastille became a symbol to the people of the oppressive monarchy, and the takeover likewise became a symbol of defiance against the regime.
Now, it is a day (or two) of festivities that vary colourfully across L’Hexagone. À Paris, there is a spectacular military parade on des Champs-Élysées. In Nice, they work year-round to construct elaborate floats to parade across the promenade just for this one day.
Join the Festivities in Melbourne!
Ready to join the party? We’ve got you. Blue Illusion is among the sponsors of the Bastille Day Festival in Melbourne—a cosy winter market filled with all things french! It’s the perfect opportunity to practise your language skills, eat authentic cuisine, and celebrate with wine, cheese, and entertainment. We hope to see you there!
Saturday, 8 & Sunday, 9 July 2023
Sheds C and D, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Celebrate in Sydney!
Also a spectacular open-air market, expect lots of cheese, live music, light shows and a four-day-long celebration of French culture and cuisine. Beyond the 100+ stalls selling authentic French food, there will also be French shops and vendors selling things ranging from olive oil, to jewellery, to clothes and prints. No doubt there will be a plethora of ways to thoroughly enjoy and celebrate!
Thursday, 13 - Sunday, 16 July 2023
Sydney's Circular Quay & The Rocks area