French National Day 2009 (1)

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. July 14 is France’s national day, a time of nationwide jubilation. On this day each year, Paris transforms into a lavish, grand carnival. From morning till night, a series of spectacular events celebrate the founding of the French Republic through democracy, enlivening the entire city with festive joy. This year marks the 220th anniversary of the French Social Revolution; on this day in 1789, the French people stormed the Bastille, a symbol of feudalism, overthrew the monarchy and class system, and established the Republic. France subsequently designated this date as its National Day.

The annual French National Day features a grand military parade along Paris’s most beautiful avenues, presided over personally by the French President. This year, President Sarkozy invited Indian Prime Minister Singh to attend the ceremony, notably inviting an Indian military contingent with a distinct flair to participate. The parade stretches from the magnificent Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, attracting thousands of locals and tourists worldwide who enthusiastically witness the colorful uniforms, disciplined troops, and modern armed forces displaying their power. Changing perspectives, it resembles a vibrant, dazzling circus parade, now a ritual of the French National Day.

As night falls, the celebration reaches its climax. Not only does it commemorate the 220th anniversary of the French Social Revolution, but it also coincides with the 120th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower, affectionately known as “Paris’s Lady.” Since last year, a grand concert has been held beneath the tower on this day, adding to the festivities. This year, the beloved French singer Johnny Hallyday performed, accompanied by breathtaking music and a spectacular fireworks display. Crowds exceeding 800,000 packed tightly around the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Seine Riverbank. Under the darkening sky, bursts of fiery red fireworks erupted from the tower like clusters of fire trees and silver flowers, dazzling and brilliant. Simultaneously, the tower served as a giant screen projecting France’s history over the past 120 years. This was the grandest fireworks show since the millennium, leaving audiences in awe and witnessing the evolution of French civilization over a century, making this beautiful day unforgettable.