July 14 is celebrated as Fête Nationale or Bastille Day in France as it marks the beginning of the French revolution. The day is celebrated every year to commemorate struggles and challenges faced by people in this period of societal and political transition that became the foundation of the very idea of democracy. 

France’s Independence Day or Bastille Day is not just observed in France and is also celebrated in French-speaking (Francophonie) countries. 

Here is how France is celebrating La Fête Nationale this year:

Military Parade

While the Bastille Day military parade was canceled last year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is returning this year. The military parade along the Champs-Élysées has been marked every year since 1880.

It was cancelled in 2020, for the first time after World War II, and a small ceremony was held at Place de la Concorde, where the contribution of healthcare workers and others fighting COVID was celebrated. 

According to AFP, the general public will be allowed to see the proceeding from the Champs-Elysées while 25,000 will be allowed at the seated stands. The spectators will be required to show a health pass that can either be proof of vaccination or a recent negative test. 

Air show

Fighter jets and other fighter planes will paint the sky over the Champs-Elysées with the colours of the French Flag at 10.30 am on Wednesday. Spectators will be able to enjoy the airshow from the top of Paris La Défense Grande Arche, which is hosting two events on the occasion to celebrate Bastille Day.

Champs-de-Mars concert

At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, a classical music concert will be held on Wednesday on the Champ-de-Mars as the event will feature  Orchestre national de France, the Chœur, and the Maîtrise de Radio France. It will be broadcast live from 9 pm on France Inter and France 2.

Anyone can witness the concert at Champs-de-Mars without registering, as people are asked to come 45 minutes early to allow time for security checks.

Fireworks

While several towns, including Lille, have cancelled the fireworks celebration this year amid the fear of new emerging variants of COVID, Paris is going ahead with the celebrations. Spectators can see the fireworks celebrations from the Champ-de-Mars as authorities have asked people to follow the COVID guidelines.

 Similar displays will illuminate the sky in towns all across France.