Happy Bastille Day In French

It's Bastille Day 2009, or as they call Bastille Day in French, Fete Nationale or the more literal le quatorze juillet. It's the day that marked the storming of the oppressant Bastille prison and the beginning of the French Revolution. Unlike July 4th in the U.S. where Americans tell each other Happy July 4th, people don't typically walk around Paris saying Happy Bastille Day. They do have a morning parade and nighttime fireworks. However, Americans love any reason to party so there are some Bastille Day events and ways for you to be French for a day and celebrate.

With Bastille Day 2009 falling on a school night, most of the big festivals and parties happened over the weekend, but if you look hard enough, you can find some smaller events. Click here to find out if there are any Bastille Day events in your neighborhood.

If the search comes up empty, you can always find a French restaurant or pick up some French wine or if you are lactose tolerant, some French cheese. If all else fails, hit a grocery store, pick up some French bread and rent a couple of Jerry Lewis movies or hit Paris in Vegas.