What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day, put simply, is the French equivalent of the America's Fourth of July.  

On July 14, 1789, the mob of the revolution stormed the Bastille fortress, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Although there were only seven prisoners held at the Bastille during that time, the raid symbolized the attack on the monarchy in France.

The Bastille was torn down by the Revolutionary government in the 18th century, but there are still traces of the fortress in museums and on the streets of Paris.

The 100th anniversary of the Revolution in 1889 was the same year the Eiffel Tower was completed for the World's Fair in Paris.

Bastille Day is commemorated with a parade on the Champs Elysee, an air show with fighter jets, and of course, a fireworks display at night over the Eiffel Tower.

Photo Credits: Pierre-Yves Boudouin, GLOZINE