Why Do We Launch Fireworks on July 14th? Unveiling the Magic!

Each year, the magic of the July 14th fireworks brings together both young and old, whether they’re at home, in a park, or on the beach. With this holiday falling on a Tuesday for the 2026 edition, let’s uncover the exact origins of our national day and the best ways to make it special.

What is the Meaning of the National Day?

The National Day in France commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. This historic event symbolizes the fall of the absolute monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution.

What Happened on July 14, 1789?

At that time, in 1789, France was going through a major crisis. The French people demanded change and recorded their grievances in cahiers de doléances, placed in town halls and sent to King Louis XVI. Tension in the streets gradually increased over the months. In the capital, in July 1789, royal troops were deployed to protect Versailles and Paris. The Parisians decided not to back down and responded by calling to arms.

The 14th of July 1789 saw part of the population head to the Invalides to take weapons, before moving on to the Bastille prison to procure gunpowder. The governor in charge of the royal prison, Bernard-René Jourdan de Launay, then ordered his men to fire on the crowd. A bloody battle ensued. The fortress was stormed by the people: the famous storming of the Bastille.

Why Do We Shoot Fireworks on July 14?

The tradition of July 14th fireworks dates back to 1880, when the national day was officially established. That year, a large fireworks display was launched over the Seine in Paris to celebrate the occasion. The event was so successful that it became a republican ritual. It symbolizes joy, national unity, and the memory of the beginnings of the Republic after the French Revolution.

How to Celebrate July 14 with Family?

Typically, July 14th is celebrated with family and friends through various activities: a hearty meal, followed by an outing to attend balls, lights, and the traditional fireworks display. The military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris is also very symbolic on the national day, broadcast live on television. If you have children, you can also engage them in different ways by suggesting craft activities or coloring. Here are our crafts in the Hugo the snail section for July 14:

What are the Symbols of July 14?

Several symbols surround the national day:

• The military parade on the Champs-Élysées, which includes various branches of the French Army
• The fireworks launched at nightfall
• The tricolor flag blue, white, red
• The national anthem La Marseillaise
• The national motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”

There are also the rooster and Marianne, which are part of the emblems of the French Republic.