The bleu, blanc, rouge- Celebrating Bastille Day in New York City

Eugène Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People

Today, why not go out and paint the town Blue, White, and Red to celebrate independence? You may ask yourself: Didn't I just go to a barbecue and watch fireworks in celebration of July 4th? Well, yes, but...

July 14th commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a prison symbolizing the monarchical rule of King Louis the 16th and his ancient regime. The attack marked the end of arbitrary rule and the beginning of a sovereign nation for the French people.

On Bastille Day we celebrate Independence Day "a la française"!

American Barbecue treats such as hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, and ice cold bottles of beer can be replaced with French staples such as: Sauscisses, pate de campagne, onion marmalade, and bottles of  rosé- Oo la la!

French Rosé- qui, si'l vous plait!

Even though we are not in the beautiful South of France or in even in, Paris, the City of Lights, it doesn't mean we can't do as the French do and raise a glass of Champagne to the ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. This is New York after-all, a city where whole neighborhoods are spiced with the flavors of any single culture, celebrating every aspect of their country from food to clothing, to language and art; France is no exception.

Check out Bastille Day NYC for a list of street fairs, events, exhibits, and restaurants that will be celebrating French Independence all the way through July 17th! There are even a number of French restaurants offering special low-price fixed menus for patrons coming out for the festivities, so grab your French friends or go out and make some by celebrating Bastille Day in New York!

Amusez-vous bien et vive la France!
(Enjoy yourself and Long-live France!)

What are some of your country's national holidays? If you are French, could you share some Bastille Day traditions with us?



Lindsey Signorelli- July 14, 2011