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Berlin to Celebrate Bastille Day and Franco-German Friendship

From 15th to 16th July the German capital will play host to the Deutsch-Französisches Fest 2016 organised by The French Embassy

July 05th, 2016
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On the 15th and 16th of this month, French expats, Berliners and Francophiles will gather at Pariser Platz for a ‘Jour de fête’ in celebration of Bastille Day, the French national holiday, and of the strong friendship between the two nations.

Bastille Day is celebrated each year on 14th July and is the most important date in the French calendar year. It marks the day in 1789 when the Bastille (a medieval fortress in the east of Paris, then a notorious prison) was stormed by French revolutionaries in defiance of royal authority. This is considered to be a defining moment in French history and its anniversary has been celebrated every year since 1790.

The Deutsch-Französisches Fest [Franco-German Festival] is an annual event organised by the French Embassy in Berlin and the German French Youth Office. This ‘jour de fête’ actually takes place over two days, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th July from 12pm to 10:30pm in Pariser Platz, next to the Brandenburg Gate. Admission to the event is free and it will feature live music (including a special performance by the French synth-pop band ‘Air’ on Saturday 16th at 7pm), street acts, exhibitions, and French cuisine. Activities for kids include face painting, juggling, theatre workshops and a quiz.

Although France and Germany have had a complicated relationship for much of the previous century, their friendship today is now stronger than ever. This is more than just a celebration of Bastille Day, it is a celebration of the very special relationship between two nations, one which was hard fought and which is deeply treasured on both sides.   

References:

News from Berlin
Alex Waters, Berlin Global