What is the Feast of the Federation that is celebrated on July 14 in France?

A lot of tourists go to Paris this Friday to enjoy the national parade that this year has been different. France has maintained its great security measures in the face of fear of new riots such as those that occurred weeks ago after the death of Nahel, the young man who was shot by an agent at a police checkpoint in Nanterre.

In fact, In Paris dozens of neighborhoods have suspended their parties and public transport, such as buses and trams, will stop operating from 10:00 p.m. Nor can fireworks be launched to prevent buildings or cars from being set on fire.

But, What holiday is commemorated on July 14 and since when? We explain to you the initial moment in which French culture began to be commemorated and it began to be recognized by the rest of the countries of the world.

What party is celebrated this Friday in France?

The streets of France are filled with flags and parades to commemorate their special day where their culture and gastronomy are highlighted. A moment that recalls the historical event that gave rise to the French National Holiday or French National Daywhere you can see fireworks from the Seine River, in Paris.

This festival is known by the rest of the countries of the world, although another is also celebrated on the same day: the Feast of the Federation. This festivity commemorates the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.

[Por qué en España no se producirían disturbios como los de Francia por la muerte de Nahel pese a lo que dice Vox]

The taking of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution, on July 14, 1789. The French managed to put an end to a series of political and social conflicts that ended with the abolition of feudalism and the Old Regime. Thus, the Contemporary Age began and the famous French motto was created Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Freedom, Equality and Fraternity).

It was a difficult moment in which the population barely had food and prices were rising. In this context, the French people took the Bastille and started the revolution, which was a symbol to lay the foundations of fraternity.

When was it established as a national holiday?

France established July 14 as a national holiday a century after the storming of the Bastille. It was in 1880, during the beginning of the Third Republic, a date was sought to establish a day as the national holiday of France. On July 14 it was proposed to celebrate this celebration by the deputy Benjamin Raspail.

It must be remembered that during this date the Feast of the Federation of 1790 is also commemorated. Thus, an agreement was reached so that both events would have a special day in France and it was declared as National Day of France. Although, at first, some politicians did not agree to celebrate such events.

[La violencia en Francia se descontrola: la inteligencia territorial avisa de los que “pretenden matar”]

For this reason, July 14 was established as the national day of france to celebrate these two important moments in the country’s history: the storming of the Bastille and the Feast of the Federation.

During this date, a military parade takes place in Paris from the avenue des Champs-Élysées, passing through the Arc de Triomphe to Plaza de la Concordia. As it happens with the National Holiday of Spain, the planes of the air forces fly over the sky of the city. In addition, the traditional dance of the firemen is carried out.