Bastille Day is a commemoration of the events of 14th July 1789, when crowds of angry Parisians stormed the Bastille prison. This was an act of rebellion, intended to communicate their resistance to the king’s supreme rule; it ended up being the beginning of the French Revolution, in fact, and the subsequent formulation of the modern French Republic.
Since 1880, 14th July has been national holiday in France. It is called Fête de la Fédération and celebrates the success of those who risked all for change on that fateful day. This celebration of French culture now happens all over the world, with parties, balls, feasts, fireworks and parades… all in the name of freedom. It should come as no surprise that Melbourne is fully on board with this too!
How is Bastille Day celebrated? 
Today in France, Bastille Day is celebrated with a military parade of thousands of police, firemen and soldiers; the current President of the Republic is always present for this memorable event on the Champs-Élysées. It’s no small deal – the Eiffel Tower is lit up with fireworks when the sun has gone down, and all the other cities and towns follow suit with their own fireworks, balls, parades and events.
The French take this annual opportunity to dress up, have a good dance and eat lots of delicious festive foods. Freedom is no small thing to us humans, and it has got to be worth celebrating wherever you are in the world!
Celebrate all things French in Melbourne
On 14th July every year, we join in with the French revelers by celebrating Bastille Day here in Melbourne; we spend the day waving our French flags and embracing all things French, from the lavish clothing of the 18th century to the wonderful food that France brings to the table.
Dress up and dance
Dancing is a biggie on Bastille Day. Whether you plan to attend the festival, have your own gathering or just take to the streets, this is a day for throwing some shapes! It’s all the more fun when done in fabulous French costume, of course.
You have so many options: will you be queen Marie Antoinette, the controversial King Louis, or one of the royal courtiers? Perhaps you’re feeling the 18th century aristocrat vibe, or that of Napoleon Bonaparte?
Melbourne would surely welcome a few more French policeman, revolutionaries, French maids and cancan dancers? You could try your hand at being a mime artist, or even the Eiffel Tower itself for a day.
Have a French picnic
Get your friends together and have a French picnic! Each brings a few French food items, such as croissants, baguettes, French cheeses, walnuts, crepes, charcuterie items and truffles.
Don’t forget to bring a few must-try French wines along and a speaker for your French music. Go with bands like Saint Germain for some high-vibing French groove!
Go to the Bastille Day Festival
There is even a festival dedicated to Bastille Day on 15th and 16th July, so you can fully immerse yourself in French culture. This huge event happens at Melbourne’s Meat Market, and consists of heaps of live entertainment; it’s family friendly too, with a kiddie corner to keep the little ones sweet.
There will be a range of masterclasses and workshops where you can learn to make pastries, as well as tasting and learning about French cheese, whiskies, wines and the queen’s high tea. There will also be an art exhibition, conferences and a French market where you can find an array of French foods and goods.
Treat yourself at a French restaurant
Melbourne has plenty of French restaurants, some of which are particularly amazing. If you don’t normally splash out on the extravagant, why not do as the French do for one night and treat yourself? After all, it’s probably not every day you dine on such mouth-watering cultural specialities, especially in the name of unity and freedom. Bastille Day will be a busy one, so book early.
We hope you enjoy your celebrations on Bastille Day in Melbourne!
Meet Dale Pruser, our fabulous blogger who lives and breathes costumes! With boundless enthusiasm and a knack for turning heads, she’s the perfect guide to unleash your inner alter ego. Dale’s 30+ years experience in the costume and cosplay industry, make her the go-to source for finding the perfect costume. Her passion and knowledge shine through her blog posts, where she shares helpful tips on finding the perfect costume, DIY hacks to make your outfit stand out, and even delves into the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic characters. Her writing is as vibrant and colorful as the costumes she adores. With a twinkle in her eye and a wardrobe bursting with creativity, Dale dives headfirst into the realm of costumes. She lives for those magical moments when you put on a costume and become someone entirely different—whether it’s a mighty superhero, a swashbuckling pirate, or a glamorous 1920s flapper.