Celebrate Bastille Day

If your neighborhood is anything like mine, fireworks, sparklers and various noise makers are not just contained to July 4th. So, if you still have some lying about your house ten days later, you are in luck. July 14th is Bastille Day, French Independence Day.

Bastille Day celebrates the 1789 storming of the French prison that was the beginning of the end for the monarchy. French-Americans, or Francophiles of any nationality can join in the fun across the pond while enjoying traditional French fare.

Use July 14th as an excuse to indulge in all things French with your family and friends. Everything from the delicious foods to the decorations and movies can celebrate the French culture. For sake of a good party you can stop your regularly programmed day to enjoy crepes and champagne.

Nationally, France's Independence Day is gaining popularity. In order to capitalize on this trend, the French government is launching Destination France Day on July 14, 2011 in hopes of increasing tourism. Parties around the world will help create a new buzz around their culture. Hosting cities for the official parties include New York, Shanghai and Paris.

Paritiers in New York are encouraged to wear blue to the soiree' bleue party at the Hudson Terrace and red in Shanghai, while white is the color of choice for the Paris event. The French Quarter in New Orleans celebrates Bastille Day in their unique style complete with an annual petanque party and French Market Waiters Race. You can check with your local Alliance Francaise chapter to see if they are hosting any special events.

Do it yourselfers in the US can use red, white and blue leftover and clearance sale items from our Independence Day festivities to decorate in honor of the French flag, and plan a French cafe style menu. Serve French bread with fruits and cheeses, or fondue. Drink wine, champagne with grape juice for the little ones or large mugs of coffee. Good food and good conversation will make a French party, but you can add sparklers, music and movies if desired.Kids can enjoy Eloise, or Madeline and adults can enjoy more adult flicks either subtitled or simply set in France.