Those with Huguenot heritage will most likely have plans already made for the upcoming Bastille Day, or rather, La Fête Nationale, happening 13 – 14 July 2013. This celebration of French national pride is a beloved affair by French families and those unable to make it to Europe won’t miss out, as there will inevitably be smaller celebrations held in all countries with a French population.
History
For those not in the know, Bastille Day celebrates the first day of the French Revolution which occurred on 14 July 1789. It was on this day that the French stormed the imposing Bastille prison and fortress to release key political prisoners, and as you have likely figured out, it was a successful venture, though the entire revolution took 10 years to complete.
Almost 100 years later, in 1880, the 14th of July became a French national holiday. It’s common to see people dress in the colours of the French flag on this day (red, white, and blue).
Franschhoek, our French Corner
If you’re in South Africa over this period, do make a plan to visit the beautiful Western Cape valley of Franschhoek, which will be decked out with plenty of festive entertainments on offer. This lush area was where Huguenot explorers settled during the 1600s, and cultivated vineyards and estates of great beauty. While in Franschhoek, you’ll get to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of joie de vivre, and sample some fantastic local wines.
If you’re hoping to imbibe some actual French wines, keep your eye out for several French wine experts who fly out annually just to educate those of us who’ve never enjoyed a taste of the fantastic wines from the Rhône-Alpes Region of France. These wine makers will be found in the Bastille Foods and Wine Marquee, which will be open over the two festival days from 12:00 – 17:00, and costs R150 per person to enter. If you overindulge and end up feeling a little tipsy, book yourself a Franschhoek accommodation to safely overnight at, or else call one of the local cab companies to see you safely home.
For those who’d prefer to stick to the delicious gourmet foods on offer, ensure you do a full circuit of the various stalls, which will be selling a variety of traditional French foods. Many of them will have tasters available for you to try before you buy. There will be a market at the Town Hall and at the NG Church where you can browse craft stalls and stock up on some preserves, cheeses, breads, and even boulangerie-style pastries.
Entertainment throughout this weekend includes Fencing matches and lessons, Barrel racing (it really offers barrels of fun), a Boules Tournament, the Waiters’ Race, the Franschhoek Minstrels Parade, and even a Trail Run. Those with little ones needn’t fret as there will be a special entertainment area for children, which will include face-painters.
Around Cape Town
If you’re feeling blue that you won’t get to enjoy the spectacular firework show in Paris, head to Cape Town Stadium, as at 8pm as there will be a fantastic party with DJ Didier, and a fireworks display later over the stadium. Tickets will be available at the door from R50.
Those who can’t make it to Franschhoek for a full-day of celebrations needn’t worry about missing out on French foods. Head to Newlands, Constantia, or the Gardens, and look out for the Cassis Paris Patisserie. This incredible franchise offers a host of French foods, from pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) and vanilla flans to bite-sized macaroons and quiches – perfect for a decadent breakfast or a light lunch with your partner or your girlfriends.
What are your plans this Bastille Day? If you’re not in the Western Cape, let us know what you’ll be doing to celebrate your French heritage.
Main image courtesy of Franschhoek wine Tourism (Flickr).
