Light my fire!

Tomorrow is French national day. 14^th of July: an eventful day for French people.

History

That day is referred to as Bastille Day in English, which is inaccurate. Indeed, we celebrate, not one, but two events on that day:

- 14^th July 1789: the Bastille prison is destroyed, one of the most famous events of the French revolution. It symbolizes the abolition of the privileges and the end of absolutism.

- 14^th July 1790: the nation celebrates the first anniversary of the destruction of Bastille prison during the festival of federation. It becomes the festival of the nation, which unites all French people.

14^th of July officially became the French national day in 1880. It has been enthusiastically celebrated since then and is brightened up by a plethora of symbols.

Military parade

All the army corps parade down the most beautiful avenue of the world: the Champs Elysees in Paris. The march of French military forces, precise to a fraction of an inch, is an impressive ballet of soldiers, police forces, military students, horses, tanks and military cars, professional firemen, chasseurs alpins (the elite mountain infantery), etc.

All these corps march at a different pace, which becomes a nightmare to synchronize. Since perfection is a must, rehearsals are organized at dawn while Parisians are still asleep. The most remarkable show is offered by the Foreign Legion: these manly soldiers, usually displaying their long barb, parade at a slow pace, united by a strong and mysterious esprit de corps. Their motto says it all: Legio Patria Nostra.

The Patrouille de France ends the parade in a superb precision aerobatic demonstration of the French Air Force. It is the world's oldest team of its kind.

Every year, a country is being honored. India was part of the parade in 2009.

My favorite moment of last year’s parade (that I duly watched on TV5, the francophone channel) was the haka performed by some troops of overseas French territories. It was so powerful that the tension was palpable in the presidential stand.

Firemen ball and fireworks

Friendly balls are organized across the country to celebrate the holiday. It is usually hosted by firemen: our sexy and muscular saviors over whom every romantic schoolgirl at heart drools, especially since their legendary calendars have become more revealing (for reasons that escape me, it is more lucrative). Here is a traditional version of the calendar. Decency (and a prudish corporate internet firewall) forbids me to post an example of the modern version.

As a teaser for a coming post about relativism, let me tell you the surprise of my husband when I explained that firemen were considered attractive in France (and in the US, I believe). I thought I made my point with a killing argument: it is all about the uniform! Then I discovered the uniform of Mumbai firemen.

A sparkling firework usually concludes this festive day in every town of the country. True, it does not hold the comparison with Marine Drives during Diwali, but it is still very enjoyable (and less risky).

Reception by the consul

Do I have any plan for tomorrow? Yes! I am being invited by the Consul of France in Mumbai for a reception. It is a great occasion to network with the French community and savor French delicacies. And thanks to Ferrero Rocher, the receptions of the Ambassador (or Consul for that matter) are always a great success!