Since 1880, the French celebrate their national day every year on July 14th. This day, symbolizing the history and unity of the country around common values, is typically marked by a grand military parade.

This date naturally reminds the famous storming of the Bastille in 1789, where the French people symbolically abolished the monarchy by seizing this fortress, which then served as a prison. The following year, on July 14th, 1790, the Constituent Assembly, governing France, decided to hold a national gathering in Paris to commemorate this event, which became the celebration of the Federation. For the first time in French history, 100,000 people from all over the country gathered on the Champ-de-Mars to celebrate the ideals of the Revolution. This popular celebration got, from 1797, a military character, when the army offered to Parisians a demonstration of military maneuvers. Under Napoleon Bonaparte (1799-1815) and during the Restoration (1815-1830), July 14th was replaced by commemorations related to the regimes in power, and the national day lost its importance.

It was during the Third Republic (1870-1940) that the symbol of national day was restored. The July 14th, officially took its current form with the decree of July 6th, 1880. Contrary to popular belief, it was not celebrated the storming of the Bastille, but the day of the Federation of 1790. Parliamentarians of the time thought that the July 14th, 1789, was too much associated with violence and chose to celebrate the victory of the Republic, and the national unity.

It is an opportunity today to go back to this emblematic parade and its historical evolution with 14 surprising facts that we may not know about the most illustrious military parades:

1.   This year, for the first time in nearly 50 years, the July 14th parade will not be held on the Champs-Élysées. It will also be only the second time in history that the parade takes place on Avenue Foch. The first time was in 1918, although in a different direction and only on a section of the avenue. This year's parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation and the Olympic spirit, will be held in a reduced format on Avenue Foch due to the Olympic Games, rather than the usual route along the Champs-Élysées.

1.   The itinerary of the parade has evolved significantly over nearly 150 years. Indeed, French military units did not always parade on the Champs-Élysées on July 14th. For a century, from 1814 to 1914, the festivities took place at Longchamp. This tradition was interrupted during World War I but came back again in 1919 on the Champs-Élysées. In 1939, for the 150th anniversary of July 14th, an impressive parade of 300,000 men took place between the Arc de Triomphe and the Concorde. Subsequently, the parade itineraries varied: from the Bastille to République in 1974, to Cour de Vincennes in 1975, and then to the École militaire in 1977. Since 1980, the Champs-Élysées has become the privileged location for the July 14th parade.

2.   Marie Vialar made history by becoming the first woman to march alongside her regiment in 1886. As a canteen woman in the first battalion of the 131st Infantry Regiment, she had already shown courage and dedication during her service in the Crimean War. Her presence at the July 14th parade symbolized not only her personal commitment but also the crucial role of women in the logistical and moral support of military troops at that time.

3.   In 1915, the July 14th parade took a special solemnity: it was a funeral procession. For the first July 14th of the Great War, soldiers solemnly escorted the ashes of Rouget de Lisle. The composer of the Marseillaise was accompanied from the Arc de Triomphe to the Invalides, a heart touching gesture honoring his symbolic role in national history and the patriotic mobilization during that period of intense conflict.

4.   The July 14th, 1916 parade was a special occasion where France paid tribute to foreign soldiers who came to the French front as allies of the national armies. Under the presidency of Raymond Poincaré, the president awarded distinctions to bereaved families and delivered a moving speech. He then attended the military parade, which started at the Invalides. This ceremony highlighted the importance of international alliance and shared sacrifice in the common struggle for freedom and peace during World War I.

5.   On July 14, 1918, an exceptional parade honored an army of nurses, paying tribute to their dedication during four years of war. Although they did not bear arms, nurses were not spared from the horrors of conflict. Nicknamed the "white angels," these national heroines are often unknown by the wider public.

During World War I, approximately three hundred and fifty nurses sacrificed their lives, victims of bombings or succumbed to disease. Their courage and determination were recognized through over ten thousand decorations awarded to French nurses for their exceptional commitment.

This July 14, 1918 parade symbolizes not only the official recognition of their essential contribution to the front, but also a moving tribute to their humanity and compassion in wartime.

6.   It is one of the world's oldest aerial parades dates back to the early 20th century, July 14th 1934, when airships made a spectacular entrance at the parade held at Longchamp. These imposing aircrafts provoked a real wonder among spectators, drawing attention due to their size and ability to fly above the crowd. Their participation marked a significant milestone in aviation history, showcasing technological innovation of the time, while adding a futuristic dimension to the traditional parade event.

7.   In 1982, for the first time in nearly 150 years, the July 14th parade was held at night. This courageous change was orchestrated during the second military parade of François Mitterrand's first seven-year term. Usually organized in the morning on the Champs-Élysées, the 1982 parade took place in the evening, starting at 9:30 PM, symbolizing a break to the tradition.

The decision to move the parade to nightfall was an innovative initiative of Mitterrand's presidency. For Mitterrand, this choice was more than just a protocol adjustment: it was a strong symbolic gesture, intended to mark the uniqueness of his seven-year term and to solemnly conclude this day of national celebration.

8.   In 1989, the Bicentennial of the French Revolution was celebrated in a grandiose manner through a memorable parade called "La Marseillaise." Designed by the renowned creator Jean-Paul Goude and staged with the participation of 6,000 artists and extras, this parade captured the attention of 800,000 spectators coming from the whole world to participate in the festivities. Among the notable figures present were Margaret Thatcher, George Bush, and Helmut Kohl, emphasizing the historical significance and global impact of this commemorative event.

9.   In 1994, a historic event occurred when German tanks entered Paris for the first time since the Occupation. This participation was the result of a special invitation from President François Mitterrand to the soldiers of the Eurocorps to take part in the July 14th parade.

During a time of the new European construction and integration, this symbolic gesture was of great significance, reinforcing the Franco-German reconciliation initiated by Helmut Kohl and the French president. It marked a significant milestone in contemporary history, highlighting the renewed unity between two nations erstwhile in conflict, from now on engaged in close cooperation within united Europe.

10. In 2008, during the inaugural summit of the Union for the Mediterranean, Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria, was present in the tribune to attend the July 14th festivities. His participation sparked controversy, notably because on the same day, paraded the promotion of the Inter-Army Military School (EMIA), named in tribute of Antoine de la Bâtie, a French officer killed in a 1983, due to a bomb attack  attributed to the Syrian regime.

Despite objections and divided sentiments regarding his presence, the Antoine de la Bâtie promotion parade proceeded without major incident.

11. In 2019, a spectacular scene captivated the world: Franky Zapata, originally from Marseille and a former jet ski world champion, soared over the Place de la Concorde, above the Champs-Elysees on a turbine engine-powered “Flyboard” in front of President Emmanuel Macron and other EU leaders flew in Paris. This extraordinary image marked a historic moment as Zapata, known for his passion for extreme sports, achieved an unprecedented aerial feat.

His flight above the iconic Place de la Concorde symbolized not only a technological breakthrough but also the daring and determination of a French inventor pushing the boundaries of what is possible

12. The July 14th parade in Paris is not limited to soldiers and military equipment. Indeed, it is also an opportunity for a variety of fascinating animals to take part in this emblematic event. Alongside majestic horses, we can admire camels, dogs, goats, and even eagles, all parading before the amazed eyes of young Parisian spectators.

13. In 2024, the theme of July 14th celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Landings, the Liberation of France, and Victory. The visual of this edition highlights the contours of metropolitan France and Corsica, reminding thus the different stages of Liberation. At the heart of this representation, the Cornflower of France emerges like a sun, symbolizing the rebirth of the nation after years of conflict, and embodying the resilience of the French people.

This flower of remembrance finds its place during the July 14th military parade, as well as during the ceremonies of November 11th and May 8th, as a symbol to raise awareness among the entire nation, and a message for the young generation who is responsible for transmitting the memory of past sacrifices, thus perpetuating the legacy of previous generations.

We will attend, as well, a representation of the Cadre Noir de Saumur led by Colonel Thibault Vallette, team gold medalist at the Rio Games in 2016. On this occasion, this officer will carry the Olympic flame and proceed to the first relay in Île-de-France, on July 14, 2024.