French national day: everything you need to know about the 14 of July!

11 juillet 2023 Culture

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The traditional military parade of 14 July, a French speciality, will be held in Paris on the famous avenue des Champs-Elysées, the most beautiful avenue in the world, some say! Every year since 1880, the French celebrate their national day on 14 July, which has turned into a “symbol of the history and unity of the country around common values”, according the ministry of armies, major organiser of the parade.

The date of 14 of July was declared and instituted as “National Day” in 1880 to mark the celebration of the French Republic, with a central place dedicated to the army in the festivities. In fact, this national day celebrates two 14 of July: Bastille Day, for the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, and the Festival of the Federation in 1790. For historians, the “adoption of a national day marks the rooting of the Republic” in France.

A must-attend event

The “moral forces” of France and the “strategic solidarity” are the central subjects of the 2023 parade, a “true republican ritual” according to the minister and “a must-attend event for the French and their army”.

In a context “marked by intensity conflicts in Europe”, the cohesion of the French nation takes a “strategic dimension”. The motto of the 14 of July 2023, “Nos forces morales” (our moral forces) intends to “remind the values inherent to the French armies: resilience, courage, brotherhood of arms and sense of commitment”. It is also worth reminding the “qualities of resistance” of our elders to celebrate the 80 years of the medal for French resistance and the passing away of Jean Moulin, major French resistance figure against the occupying forces of WWII.

International colours

The theme of “strategic solidarity with France’s allies”, also at the heart of the parade, will show in various ways.

To give a concrete demonstration of France’s commitment to this solidarity, about fifteen countries are expected on the Champs-Élysées Avenue. Among them, India will be guest of honour, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who came to celebrate 25 years of strategic agreements between India and France. More guests will be honoured this year, says the minister of armies, with students from partner African military schools (Benin, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Senegal) marching with interns from French military schools. According to the minister, this is an unique opportunity to “underline the academic excellence of the French training tool” and show “how the African continent and France face the same threats and work together to face the same challenges”. The international dimension of this edition will also show thanks to the participation of foreign planes and international military music.

Everywhere in France

Anyone can attend the French parade of 14 July, anywhere in France. The ministry of armies indeed developed an innovation to attend the parade on the Champs-Elysées Avenue using a mobile app.

In addition to TV broadcasts, this first experiment will be accessible on smartphone to let users check all information in relation with the event, wherever he is located, in mainland France or overseas. The ministry said that the user will be able to explore the morning programme, discover more about subjects of the 2023 edition and view the exact composition of the event. While waiting for the parade, the user will also have the opportunity to play to a quiz or discover the actions of the armies to support the wounded. A section is also dedicated to the occupations of defence and equipment’s of armed forces.

To know more:

- on the 14 July:

https://www.vie-publique.fr/questions-reponses/275120-que-celebre-t-le-14-juillet

- on the military parade:

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/14-juillet-2023-horaires-nouveautes-decouvrez-programme
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/14-juillet-2023