The Fete Nationale or Bastille Day is the biggest annual celebration not only in Provence but in France in general. It's called Bastille Day because of the storming of the Parisian prison, the Bastille, and freeing the prisoners inside. This event was symbolic of the French Revolution and marked the Republic's formation.
Celebration Highlights
Every year on July 14th, the air is filled with music, and the streets come alive with dances, parades, and French flags fluttering everywhere. The atmosphere is electric with the anticipation of the fireworks. In Provence, the celebrations extend to village festivals, street markets, and unique bull fights. These games, more of a thrilling challenge than a fight, involve participants trying to take a rosette from the bull's horn and escape unscathed. In addition, cowboys in traditional costumes herd bulls and horses through the streets. This culminates in big parties with great food and a fun atmosphere.
Bastille Day in Marseille
In Marseille, the festivities for Bastille Day kick off with the military ceremony launching usually at 5 pm at the Vieux Port (Old Port). They include an enchanting air parade across the city's skies and a ground military parade.
As the day draws to a close, the July 14th celebrations in Marseille reach their crescendo with a spectacular fireworks display. Launched from both the Old Port and Fort d'Entrecasteaux, the fireworks paint the night sky with a myriad of colors, choreographed to a symphony of music. Lasting for a breathtaking 30 minutes, the show usually begins around 10:30 pm, leaving spectators in awe.
