Bastille Day a July freedom festival, is observed in France on July 14th.

On this day in 1789, the infamous Bastille prison was stormed by the people of Paris, and the date is now generally acknowledged as the end of the French Monarchy and the start of the French Republic.

The French Independence Day honors the event with military parades, music, gatherings at bistros and cafes, holiday meals and by nightfall, a huge display of fireworks over the City of Lights.