英语课程计划-Bastille Day（在线收听）

Bastille Day is France’s most important national holiday. It is celebrated on the 14th of July every year. Every city, town and village becomes red, white and blue as everyone hangs out the French tricolour flag. The holiday’s name in French is Fête Nationale, which means “National Celebration". The 14th of July commemorates the storming of the Bastille on the 14th of July, 1789. The Bastille was a prison that held prisoners who disagreed with the French monarchy. The biggest celebrations are on Paris’ famous Champs-élysées. There are parades, military bands and festivities during the day, and fireworks displays in the evening. It is a wonderful, happy occasion when French people show their pride in their country.

Bastille Day celebrates the most important day in French history. The storming of the Bastille prison marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The prison was a symbol of the total power of King Louis the 16th. Most French people were very poor and hated how the monarchy and its supporters were so wealthy. The Bastille only had seven prisoners when Parisians attacked it, but it signalled Louis 16th’s power was no longer absolute. Parisians believed their actions meant they were free. It led to the creation of the first French republic in 1792 and the three French ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, was written that same year and became official in 1795.