Bastille Day Celebrations Amidst Controversy
The celebrations will be marked by a sense of nuance and complexity, reflecting the diverse perspectives and interpretations of French history and identity, as the country navigates its values and sense of self amidst controversy and debate, with the Tour de France and other events also taking place amidst the heatwaves and wildfires.
France's Fête nationale, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14th, marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, but the holiday has been the subject of controversy and debate in recent years, with some arguing that it is jingoistic and others that it is anti-French.
The French Revolution's storming of the Bastille is a complex and contested event in French history, with different interpretations and commemorations, and its significance is also debated, with some seeing it as a symbol of national unity and others as a glorification of proletarian violence. Historians like Patrick Boucheron have argued that the French Revolution was a component part of global history, rather than a uniquely French event, and that the holiday should be seen in a more nuanced and complex light.
Despite the controversy, Bastille Day celebrations will go ahead, featuring fireworks, parades, and bals de pompiers, where firefighters host parties. However, the celebrations will take place amidst concerns about wildfires, which are a significant risk in France, particularly during forecasted heatwaves. The French government has also issued guidelines on how to stay cool during heatwaves, as only 25% of private homes in France have air conditioning.
As France prepares to celebrate Bastille Day, the debate around the holiday has become a proxy for a broader dispute about what France is and what its values and identity should be, reflecting the complex and contested nature of French history and identity. Meanwhile, other events, such as the Tour de France, which starts on July 13th, will also take place, featuring 184 riders from 26 countries.