July 14, better known as “Bastille Day”, is an emblematic date celebrated in France to commemorate the French Revolution. But how is this national holiday celebrated abroad? From New York to Sydney, discover how “Bastille Day” shines across the world, bringing together French expatriates and lovers of French culture for memorable festivities.
The magic of July 14 in New York #
new York literally bursts into flames for the Bastille Day. Every year, the famous Central Park becomes the beating heart of the French festivities. For Elsa, a French resident in New York for two decades, it is an essential tradition. “We go back every year because we love the programming and especially the connection with the French community in this legendary place in the city,” she enthuses.
Orchestrated by the French Consulate General, the Central Park French-speaking music festival is an anticipated event. The varied program includes hip-hop with IAM, the captivating rhythms of DJ The Avener and the romantic ballads of Laurie Darmon. The previous edition attracted nearly 6,000 people, and this year, around 7,000 enthusiasts and curious people are expected under the New York sky.
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Vibrate to the sound of the bal musette in Madrid #
From her residence in Madrid, Virginie Duprez ensures that the national holiday is a grandiose event. In Madrid, the atmosphere is decidedly festive and musical for July 14. “The idea of an evening with music and a French dinner found its audience last year,” rejoices Virginie.
This year, it is in Pozuelo that the festivities will take place, with jazz concerts and musette balls in a friendly setting. “We hope to meet new faces,” wishes Virginie. A dinner with French flavors and a warm atmosphere are on the program, enough to enrich the links of the French community in Spain.
Sydney, the French party in Australia #
For Julie Robert, the euphoria of Bastille French Festival in Sydney is a must. In the heart of the Australian winter, mulled wine and cheeses straight from France warm hearts and bodies. “It’s winter in July here, so it’s warming up,” comments Julie with a smile.
The festival, held in the iconic Circular Quay district, is a four-day event transforming the area into a French-speaking village. More than 120 vendors and 100 artists come together to offer a complete experience that ranges from French culinary specialties to varied shows, including fireworks, magic and concerts. In 2022, nearly 600,000 visitors participated, a colossal figure compared to the 23,000 French people residing in the city. “What I like most is hearing French spoken around me from morning to evening,” says Julie.
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- Practical information (New York) : free entry from 5 p.m., without reservation (entrance at 72nd street/5th Avenue). Ball on July 13 in Brooklyn (entrance $17.85).
- Practical information (Madrid) : Saturday July 13 in Pozuelo, from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., reservation required via the UFE website. Prices: €25 for members, €30 for non-members and €15 for children under 10 years old.
- Practical information (Sydney) : July 11 to 14 at Customs House Square, Circular Quay. Free entry without reservation. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day (except Sunday, closing at 8:00 p.m.).
