Pbenjay's Blog

Bastille (Photo credit: Burkazoid)

Today is Bastille Day! 

Bastille Day is a national holiday in France, celebrated annually on July 14. It is quite similar to the Independence Day festivities in the United States.

The Bastille was a stronghold built in Paris in the 14th century. In fact, the word “bastille” means “fortress” in French. During his reign, Louis XVI used it as a prison and the structure became a symbol of his power. In 1789, rioters stormed the Bastille and proceeded to demolish it. It was an act of rebellion and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

Today, the French celebrate Bastille Day and their independence with parties, parades, and festivals. Uncork a bottle of French wine or dine at a French restaurant to join in the fun!

Okay so I’m not French but still…when you live in New York City, the capitol of the world, you virtually live all over the world.   Almost every weekend there is a parade either on Fifth Ave or Midtown in the 30’s.  We’ve been to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the Israeli Parade,   the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Columbus Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Seik Parade, the Gay Pride Parade, A Turkish celebrations parade, an Indian celebration parade and the West Indian Day Parade – and that’s just in Manhattan.  

Queens is truly a melting pot in the truest sense.  There are pockets of neighborhoods of every ethnicity replete with their own bakeries, grocery stores and cultural centers.  You can get some of the best ethnic food in Queens!  Oh and I almost forgot going to a Russian night club in Brooklyn.  It’s no wonder so many people never get off the Island!

Related articles

• Get in the Bastille Day Spirit With These Parisian-Inspired Outfits (fabsugar.com)
• Bastille Day Inspiration – Tickling Your French Fancy (missayodele.com)