14 July: commemoration and public celebrations
A commemoration of the storming of the Bastille, a tribute to the values of the Republic and a day of public celebration: 14 July remains one of the highlights of the French calendar. The national holiday will be celebrated in Marigot with official ceremonies, the traditional military parade and a programme of musical entertainment that will liven up the seafront until the evening.
14 July became France’s national holiday in 1880. The choice of this date refers to two events that laid the foundations of the Republic. The first is the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, when the people of Paris seized this royal prison, a symbol of absolutism. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and epitomised the people’s struggle for freedom. The second is the Fête de la Fédération, celebrated on 14 July 1790. One year after the storming of the Bastille, representatives from all the provinces of France gathered in Paris, in the presence of King Louis XVI, to affirm their commitment to national unity and their support for the future Constitution. In keeping with traditional protocol, the day will begin at 9.00 am with an ecumenical service at the Catholic church of Saint-Martin-de-Tours. The 14 July parade will set off at 10.15 am along Rue de la République, before wreaths are laid at the war memorial in the Collectivité gardens. It is worth noting that veterans will take part in the parade, giving them the opportunity to present their new flag to the public. A medal presentation to one of their own will also take place during the ceremony at the war memorial. The official ceremonies will continue at 11.15 am on the seafront, with speeches by local dignitaries. From 2.00 pm until 11.00 pm, it’s time for public festivities, featuring music from DJs Mathias, Thonny and Darian, as well as the bands Jolly Boys, Xtrem Band, Keila Michel & Band, Control Band and Panthavibs. The Madd Crew Dancer, Exclusive Dancer and Rhythm & Groove dance troupes will also be putting on several dance performances between 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm. Fans of fireworks displays will be able to enjoy two fireworks displays this year; the first will be held the evening before, on Monday 13 July at 11 pm, organised by the restaurants on Baie Orientale beach, and the second, organised by the Collectivité, on 14 July at 9 pm in Marigot Bay.
