Bastille Day or Fete nationale or 14th July is held on the 14th of July each year, it is the French national day although it is often associated with the storming of the Bastile it in fact celebrates the Fete de la Federation of the 14th of July 1790 which was considered to be the end of the French Revolution. Bastille day symbolises the end of the Monarchy and the beginning of the First Republic.

In modern France Bastille day festivities commence with military parades the main one held in Paris which takes place in front of the President along the Champs-Elysees avenue. The parade begins with cadets from certain schools and then progresses up to infantry and then motorised troops and so forth. It usually ends with the Paris Fire Brigade or Pompiers. Afterward the president of France gives a speech about current affaires and the future of France, he then holds a garden party at the Palais de l'Elysee.

In other towns and communes it is celebrated with parties and fireworks.