When is Bastille Day in 2016?

The 2016 Bastille Day is on Thursday, July 14th. 

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day (French National Day), is an annual holiday on July 14^th. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille, the act that launched the French Revolution in 1789. The day also honors the end of feudalism in France in August of 1789 and the uniting of the French people a year later. July 14^th was designated as a national holiday in 1880 and has been observed ever since.

The French armed forces conduct the world's largest yearly military parade on the "Avenue des Champs-Élysées" boulevard in Paris on July 14^th in celebration. Military guests from many European and African nations and from the United Nations participate as well. Smaller ceremonies are organized by officials in local communities throughout France.

Many other countries around the world also celebrate this French holiday, including Belgium and Hungary. In the United States, Bastille Day events are held in more than 50 cities including Boston, Baltimore, Dallas, and New Orleans. Festivities include a celebration of French cuisine, music, and culture.