France celebrated Bastille Day on Monday, July 14, with its traditional military parade in Paris and firework displays across the country. The national holiday, also known as La Fête Nationale, marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 — a key event in the French Revolution.
The celebrations began with a parade along the Champs-Élysées, featuring French troops, military vehicles, and aircraft. Crowds lined the streets to watch the display of national pride and strength. Bastille Day is one of the most important public holidays in France and is known for its patriotic spirit.
On the eve of Bastille Day, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the military. In his speech, he warned that Europe’s freedom is facing its greatest threat since the end of World War II.
“Since 1945, freedom has never been so threatened, and never so seriously,” Macron stated. He referred to emerging threats including Russia’s aggression, nuclear risks, terrorism, and cyberattacks.
To strengthen France’s defense, Macron announced an additional €6.5 billion in military spending over the next two years. This amount nearly doubles the annual defense budget from when he took office in 2017, which stood at €32 billion.
The extra funding will be used to modernize military capabilities and enhance readiness in response to global security challenges. Macron emphasized the need for unity and preparedness during these uncertain times.
Throughout the country, people celebrated Bastille Day with fireworks, concerts, and community events. Cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux also held local parades and festivities.
As France commemorates its revolutionary past, this year’s Bastille Day also highlighted the government’s focus on national and European security amid a shifting global landscape.
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