If historic coincidences are anything to go by, then July must be the month of democracy. On July 4, 1776 the thirteen states of America unanimously signed the Declalation of Independence. And on July 14, 1789 - only thirteen years later - the French crowds raided and destroyed the Bastille prison in Paris, marking the start of half a century of revolutions. The day has henceforth been celebrated as the French national holiday, while the pursuits of a popular revolutionary spirit are commemorated worldwide.

      

Paris is celebrating the day by staging the traditional military parade in the Champs Elysées during the day and the fireworks in Trocadéro in the evening. However there will be no official reception, and festivities are not attended by the first lady, Carla Bruni who is six months pregnant and currently staying at the summer residence of the President. This year's parade is dedicated to the soldiers of the French overseas territories and to those men-of-arms who served abroad.

      

While we at Russia-InfoCentre send our best greetings to all French readers (wherever you live), we thought you might be interested in how this special French festival is celebrated in Russia, if at all.

      

Indeed, in line with the tradition of the last few years the French Embassy in Russia celebrates the day with LeCadeau - the gift store that boasts a superb collection of jewellery, watches, and exquisite accessories both for men and women.

      

St. Petersburg seems to be heralding the Bastille Day this year. At the Yussupov Garden the French Institute at St. Petersburg and the International Festival "Multivision", with support from the Culture Committee of St. Petersburg, have organised a musical picnic. At the event you will be able to savour and learn to cook a few French dishes under the watchful eye of the French chefs, take part in quizzes and contests, and listen to the French band, Feloche. The celebrations start at 6.30pm.

      

Music is all the way at Marseillaise at Martynov Embankment, where you can pop in after 8pm. Visitors are promised a "revolution in taste" from their chef, as well as a performance from Viaggio.

      

And a chain of decandent cafes-cum-restaurants Jean-Jacques Rousseau in St. Petersburg, as well as in Moscow, invite you for a glass of wine, festive atmosphere, and a firemen orchestra. In Moscow three restaurants open their doors to the visitors at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm respectively; in St. Petersburg festivities start at 8pm in two restaurants.

      

If you are celebrating the Bastille Day, why not send us your photos and share them with other readers?

      

Sources:

      

www.pgups.ru, bezformata.ru, menu.ru, intermoda.ru, vz.ru, jan-jak.com.

Author: Julia Shuvalova

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