The French national holiday Bastille Day commemorates the infamous storming of the Bastille, a Parisian prison, on July 14, 1789. Because this date marks the end of monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution, people have been dancing on the site ever since. It is a day to celebrate freedom for all people and to proclaim, "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité!"

The Revolution led to the tricolor flag of blue, red, and white. Blue and red are the colors of Paris and white is the color of royalty. In France, most people take Bastille Eve off and celebrate with festive balls and brilliant displays of fireworks. The day that follows is filled with parades, bands, dancing and general good times.