Bastille Day – Why It Still Matters (Even Outside France)
Every July 14th, French people across the world celebrate La Fête Nationale — known in English as Bastille Day. It’s a day full of fireworks, music, parades, and most of all, a deep sense of liberty, unity, and pride.
But here in Romania, among us expats, the day takes on an even more personal meaning.
A Quick Look Back – What is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day commemorates 14 July 1789, when the people of Paris stormed the Bastille prison — a powerful symbol of royal oppression. This act sparked the French Revolution and laid the foundations for modern democratic ideals:
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.
Since 1880, it has been a national holiday in France, but its meaning extends far beyond borders.
Why We Celebrate It in Romania
Back in October 2010, the first version of our meetup was born — in French, in a little café in Bucharest. At the time, it was just a few francophones trying to make friends in a new country.
No flags, no fancy slogans — just people connecting.
Over time, that French-speaking circle evolved into the wider Expats in Romania community. English became our common tongue, but our roots? They’re still French at heart.
So every 14 July, we like to take a moment to remember where this all began. Not just a revolution, but a simple idea:
we’re stronger when we come together.
What We Usually Do
In past years, we’ve celebrated with:
- Meetups and toasts to la République
- Sharing French music and wine
- Casual conversations about freedom, travel, and starting over
- Welcoming newcomers who — like us — are finding their way in Romania
If you’re around this year, come join the vibe — even if you’re not French, you’re definitely welcome. That’s the whole point.
What Does Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité Mean to You?
We’d love to hear how these values resonate with your own expat journey.
Drop a comment in the forum or just say hi. This is your space, too.
Joyeux 14 juillet à tous!
— From all of us at Expats in Romania
https://www.facebook.com/events/1453612802438653
Pics from other events :
From 19.05.2025 – Org. JM Invernizzi. Posted by Tudor Seicarescu on 7/14/2025 (54 items)
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