Jul 14 2021

Le Quatorze Juillet and the Bals des Pompiers

Le Quatorze Juillet, or formally called, La Fête Nationale, is the National Day of France, which is celebrated on July 14, every year. It commemorates the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a major event of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération, which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790

We continue to celebrate the National Days of our member Nations in 2021 by introducing one of our staff members and unveiling some facts. Interesting, surprising, fascinating, amazing, extraordinary fun facts, usually not found in any travel guides.

Did you know the Paris Fire Brigade is hosting the 'Bals des Pompiers', public dancing festivities on the French National Day?

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In 1810, Napoleon decreed the Paris Fire Brigade to be a military unit of the French Army, devoted to the safety of Paris. On Bastille Day, in almost every district of the french capital, firemen of the Paris Fire Brigade organize the popular 'Bals des Pompiers' in their courtyards.

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On the night of the 13th of July, many traditional balls are organized, and Paris converts itself into a giant dance-floor between 9 pm and 4 am of the next morning. In almost every district of the capital, firemen of the BSPP organize the popular 'Bals des Pompiers' in their courtyards.