Bastille Day 2020: this year’s aerial parade will be dedicated to COVID-19 health workers in France
The celebrations of July 14 this year in France have been reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. “This July 14, we will pay tribute to those who put all their strength, all their skills, all their humanity against the virus,” tweeted French President Emanuel Macron. For the first time since 1945, authorities have canceled the annual military parade along the Champs-Elysées in Paris, according to the AFP news agency. Only 2,000 soldiers – half the usual number – will meet in Place de la Concorde.
People will not be allowed near Place Concorde to avoid the spread of infection. Doctors in France have asked people not to let their guard down and to use face masks.
The traditional air parade – with acrobatic jets, blue, white and red smoke trails – by the country’s air force will however take place. This year, the parade will be dedicated to front-line health workers on coronaviruses.
The Eiffel Tower will be closed to the public for the fireworks on July 14 in Paris. Reports indicate that most of the celebrations have been canceled.
The Bastille Day or French national holiday, is celebrated every year on July 14. In 1789, that day, a violent uprising helped to launch the French Revolution. Citizens stormed the Bastille fortress, which was used to house state prisoners. French poet and philosopher, Voltaire was imprisoned in Bastille for almost a year after speaking out against the family of the ruling French regent. The Bastille had become the symbol of the harsh domination and tyranny of the French monarchy, in particular King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie-Antoinette.
“Liberty, equality and fraternity” has become the war cry of the people and has remained the country’s official currency to this day.
Known in France as “Fête nationale” (“Fête nationale”) or “July 14” (July 14), Bastille Day was officially celebrated in 1880. It has become a worldwide celebration of all that is French.
