Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleParis is hosting a Bastille Day celebration, featuring troops and warplanes from across Europe, specifically designed to showcase unwavering support for Ukraine and highlight the continent's collective military strength. The annual celebration is observed on 14 July, commemorating the storming of the Bastille fortress and prison in 1789, a pivotal event that ignited the French Revolution. This revolutionary act ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.Today, the date is central to the French calendar, a day for national pride and celebration. Presidents use it to highlight France’s accomplishments, while mayors host village festivals and families gather for holiday meals. The centrepiece is the grand Paris parade, marching beneath the Napoleon-era Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Élysées – a spectacle that inspired Trump to stage his own parade last year.Raging forest fires and a red-alert heatwave across France have led to the cancellation of traditional fireworks and firefighters' balls in some regions, though the Eiffel Tower's fireworks and drone show proceeded. In fullFrance sends message to Putin as Europe showcases military strength at Bastille DayMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
What is Bastille Day? France showcases military might in support of Ukraine
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleParis is hosting a Bastille Day celebration, featuring troops and warplanes from across Europe, specifically designed to showcase unwavering support for Ukraine and highlight the continent's collective military strength. The annual celebration is observed on 14 July, commemorating the storming of the Bastille fortress and prison in 1789, a pivotal event that ignited the French Revolution. This revolutionary act ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.Today, the date is central to the French calendar, a day for national pride and celebration. Presidents use it to highlight France’s accomplishments, while mayors host village festivals and families gather for holiday meals. The centrepiece is the grand Paris parade, marching beneath the Napoleon-era Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Élysées – a spectacle that inspired Trump to stage his own parade last year.Raging forest fires and a red-alert heatwave across France have led to the cancellation of traditional fireworks and firefighters' balls in some regions, though the Eiffel Tower's fireworks and drone show proceeded. In fullFrance sends message to Putin as Europe showcases military strength at Bastille DayMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
