Fact Check: "The Bastille Day parade in France has been held annually since 1880 to commemorate the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789."
What We Know
Bastille Day, known as "le 14 juillet" in French, is celebrated annually on July 14 to commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. The day is recognized both legally and popularly as France's national holiday, marking the unity of the French people during the Fête de la Fédération in 1790 (source-1).
The official establishment of Bastille Day as a national holiday occurred in 1880, following a campaign led by notable politicians and scholars, including Léon Gambetta. The French government officially adopted July 14 as the date for the annual celebration, which included military parades and public festivities (source-1, source-4). The military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris is particularly significant, often described as the oldest and largest military parade in Europe (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that the Bastille Day parade has been held annually since 1880 is substantiated by multiple credible sources. According to the History Channel, Bastille Day is celebrated as a national holiday in France, commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Furthermore, Britannica confirms that since 1880, Bastille Day has been celebrated annually as the national independence festival of France.
The sources used to verify this claim are reliable, including historical accounts from reputable platforms like Wikipedia, History.com, and Britannica. These sources provide a consistent narrative about the origins of Bastille Day and its annual celebration, emphasizing the significance of the military parade as part of the festivities.
While some sources may present slight variations in details, the core information remains consistent: the annual celebration of Bastille Day, including the military parade, began in 1880 to honor the storming of the Bastille (source-1, source-5).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that the Bastille Day parade in France has been held annually since 1880 to commemorate the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is accurate. The establishment of this national holiday and its associated celebrations, including the military parade, are well-documented in historical sources.
