Bastille Celebrations In NYC

On Sunday I took the opportunity to spectate and take part in the Bastille Day celebrations on 60th street. Kicking off at midday and ending at 5 in the evening, the festivities included live music, vintage automobile and fencing displays, champagne/chocolate tasting, multiple travel/tourism stands and of course a wide selection of food stalls. Bastille Day itself commemorates the beginning of the French revolution in 1789 (the storming of the Bastille) and in fact falls on the 14th of July, yet in NYC the celebrations are held over the weekend. As someone who has never experienced Bastille Day and has never been to France, I found the festivities to be an enjoyable yet light-hearted insight into both French history and heritage. The enormous crowds around me coupled with the popular stalls and attractions were testament to the fact that many shared my enthusiasm and willingness to engage in the celebrations. I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at Bastille Day, and hope that in the future it continues to be the pleasant and insightful occasion that I found it to be!