Wednesday, July 13, 2011

La Fête Nationale



Bastille Day ~ July 14th ~ La Fête Nationale

This French holiday commemorates the anniversary 

of the storming of the Bastille on this date in 1789.

Like the 4th of July here in the US,


Bastille Day is a time to celebrate independence; 

the storming of the Bastille represents the 

beginning of the French Revolution.
Patriotic festivities and parades are held throughout the country of 

France and also in many cities here in the US and other countries.

 Paris is the sight of a grand military parade on the Champs Elyées

and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.





Some day I'd like to celebrate Bastille Day on the Champ de Mars 

beneath the Eiffel Tower and a sky filled with fireworks. 

But here in Austin, one can still celebrate in style with Bastille Day 

festivities at the French Legation. 

This year marks the 16th annual Alliance Française Bastille Day.





Native French men, women, and children living here in Texas and 

francophiles, such as myself, will gather in celebration of this 

historic French holiday.



 There will be lively French music . . .





And delicious food, including French crêpes, both savory and 

sweet, and of course a selection of French pastries. 

 Click here to see a complete menu as listed on 

the Alliance Française d'Austin web site.



 Face painting, petanque, and other

games will entertain old and young alike.



 In the past vintage French cars 

 have been on display.




 And of course there will be live music

and dancing under the stars.



 It's hot here in Texas so ice cream 

 is a good way to cool off.



Official Poster from the Alliance Française d'Austin

Proceeds from the Austin event benefit the 

Alliance Française d'Austin's 

Frederique Moinard Scholarship Fund. 

 For tickets and more information click here.





 Click here for a previous post on

the historical Texas French Legation.

Happy Bastille Day to all.


Thank you to the following hostesses this week:



Labels: , , , , , ,
Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

42 comments:

  1. DebbieJuly 13, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    This looks really fun, Sarah. We have some Scottish and German themed days around here, and of course St. Pat's Day, but we have nothing French inspired. I would enjoy it.

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  2. PondsideJuly 13, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    That sounds like a lot of fun, Sarah. Up here Les Quebecois celebrate St Jean Batiste in June - it is huge!

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  3. Confessions of a Plate AddictJuly 13, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    What a fun post, Sarah! I know everyone must enjoy the festivities! Are you going this year? It's so hot here...heat index of 109 yesterday. I don't know how you Texans are standing it! Stay cool! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  4. The French HutchJuly 13, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    What a wonderful way to celebrate Bastille Day. It looks like a lot of fun. I would enjoy seeing the vintage french cars and listing to french music, maybe even a dance or two under the Austin stars. All for a great cause too.
    A great post Sarah........Have a great time!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  5. AnonymousJuly 13, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    :)

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  6. UnknownJuly 13, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    wonderful... I mean Fantastique !
    my nic-name for some friends is "Frenchy" but I am only half french. I sure do love everything French too! and I have a crepe maker that I make perfect crepes with . Have fun my friend
    KAT (Gignac)

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  7. Sylvia KJuly 13, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    Ah, yes, I'm a French lover, too! I'm also originally from Texas! What a great post and such a wonderful celebration of Bastille Day! Your photos are delightful, Sarah! Thanks for sharing the fun! Fantastique, indeed!

    Sylvia

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  8. French KissedJuly 13, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    I like you would like to be in Paris some year on Bastille Day. We have our French Festival this weekend in SB and your celebration certainly looks like fun. Enjoy!

    Jermaine

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  9. MaggieJuly 14, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Looks like Austin will be celebrating more than we are here in our sleepy Normandy village. Having said that my neighbours were partying long into the night last night!
    Have fun.

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  10. Carol at SerendipityJuly 14, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Sarah,
    Sounds like a wonderful time. The pictures tell a great story.

    Carol

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  11. MaryJuly 14, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Sarah~ Sounds like a fun celebration for Francophiles! Hope the festivities help you forget about the heat! Love the clever poster with the rooster, snail & wine glass :-)

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  12. Hootin AnniJuly 14, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Wow....such a fulfilling day. I loved all you've shared for Bastille Day! It was wonderful.

    Also, I might add if you don't mind...I love the Raggedy Anni [notice the spelling, lol] dolls in your post below. Super. I ask now, did you make them?


    My Thursday Themesong Post: Mem'ries Hope you're having a glorious day.

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  13. La Table De NanaJuly 14, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Fun! It's my daughter's MIL's birthday..I never forget:)

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  14. TriciaJuly 14, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Thanks for reminding me of Bastille Day! My son was a French major and I gave him those Eiffel Tower plates that so many of us found at Marshall's. Just wrote him, reminding him to use them tonight! This sounds like a fun event -- worth the drive down I-35!

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  15. Sunny Simple LifeJuly 14, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    Sounds wonderful. Who doesn't love something French. Be it food or wine or entertainment. They do it so well.

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  16. xinexJuly 14, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Happy Bastille Day to you too, Sarah! Sounds like a fun event...Christine

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  17. MaryJuly 14, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Hope it was a wonderful celebration in Austin. French celebrations are such fun - I hope to get back for more en France one day soon!

    Thanks for the lovely e-mail Sarah - will be in touch.

    Hugs - Mary

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  18. JaneJuly 14, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    This looks like a fun event. If you ever decide to celebrate Bastille Day in France and need a travel partner let me know :)
    Jane

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  19. PriscillaJuly 15, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    Looks like fun. We're going to the celebration at a local pastry shop this weekend. They make lovely a macaron.

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  20. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 15, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    BONNE FÊTE!!! OH LÀ, je suis si contente...oh....oops, do you speak French Sarah? Teeheee...I just get over-excited! OH WHAT A PARTY, and thank YOU for your visit last night. I love to write, I want to write, and I want to change myself and my world.

    Your kindness is much appreciated my friend! Anita

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  21. Lana Kim White AustinJuly 15, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Oooohhh....what a wonderful French celebration!!!!

    I'd TOTALLY be up for some crepes, both savory AND sweet!!!!

    Happy Bastille Day,
    Lana

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  22. KathyJuly 15, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    How very wonderful! I didn't know they did that in Texas. I have a feeling if I asked a few people here if they celebrated Bastille Day they'd say 'huh?'
    Would be so much fun to be in France now! Or in Spring when it is all in pink!
    Have a great day,
    Kathy

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  23. Curtains in My TreeJuly 15, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Hi Ms Sarah

    I know Jane up above has already said she will go with you to France to celebrate Bastille Day but I would like to go with you all also.LOL really

    I have never been like so many lady bloggers

    Janice

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  24. Tablescapes By DianeJuly 15, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Hi lovely lady.
    This looks like so much fun sweet lady. I did not know this was going on in Texas~~~ Can you tell me the town this takes place in.
    I do miss your comments on my Blog Texas lady. I hope you and your lovely family have a Great Weekend.
    XXOO Diane

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  25. BabsJuly 15, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Sarah, Your Bastille Day post is so interesting. I never thought about that celebration in Austin. Who knew? It looks like so much fun and I'll bet I know where you'll be tomorrow.
    Have a great weekend,
    Hugs,
    Babs

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  26. Nancy's Daily DishJuly 15, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    You can count me in on a trip to France too!
    This looks like a really fun event!

    Hugs,

    Nancy

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  27. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJuly 16, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    This looks like such a wonderfully festive Bastile Day celebration, and it's wonderful it raises funds for a good cause!

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  28. Marina CapanoJuly 16, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Everythings is fantastic.

    xoxo

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  29. StitchforkJuly 16, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    Looks like fun! Hope you enjoyed the Bastille Day festivities!
    xo Cathy

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  30. bjJuly 16, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    How fun this must be. Looks like everyone is having a great time.
    It's been too hot here to even WANT to get out to do much of anything..other than head for a movie. :)
    Cattle are dying around here..deer are forsaking their fawns, in search of water and food. Then, the little fawns are dying. We have a place here that picks them up, nurses them back to health and will turn them loose later..not sure this is what is best but.....
    We've not received rain for so so long. Very serious, indeed.

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  31. LynnJuly 16, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Sounds like a fun event Sarah, ice cream is always good:@)

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  32. MarlisJuly 16, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Thanks for the memories.. I grew up in France and remember every Bastille day with fond memories. However, Lubbock is so far removed from anything, they wouldn't know what it was if you spelled it out! Glad you shared this with us.. Happy Summer, many blessings, marlis

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  33. RettabugJuly 17, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    How interesting, Sarah! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful aspects of this event. We have lots of Irish & Italian festivals here. LOL

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  34. AnonymousJuly 17, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    The real thing might be fun, but it looks like you folks do a good job right there in Texas. Right now I am away from the heat and enjoying the respite!

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  35. JennyJuly 17, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Oh what fun! This looks like such a neat event.

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  36. MariaJuly 17, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    How fun! A very, very long time ago, at one of my first jobs, the employees would go out for drinks every Friday night and on special occassions. One of those occassions was Bastille Day, not because any of us were French or members of a delegation, but as an excuse to get together. Sometimes Bastille Day came in November, too! It became a running joke among the group. Now, it's just a memory. I don't think I'd have the stamina.

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  37. The TablescaperJuly 17, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    What a wonderul celebration! Thanks for letting us know of such a great celebration.

    Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  38. AnonymousJuly 17, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Hi sweet Sarah! Oh, I love this and what fun it would be to attend something like this! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  39. DiannJuly 18, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    That looked like a fun event Sarah!

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  40. KathleenJuly 18, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    That is so funny! I have never seen anything like that here in NY. Greek, Italian, Irish, but never Bastile Day Celebrations.
    I guess I am a gaelicophile? :)

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  41. gazette94August 2, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Thank you so much Sarah, it is such a pleasure to read about this special bound between Texas and France, I could never imagine that Bastille Day was celebrate outside France. I live in the south east of Paris...

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  42. gazette94August 2, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Thank you so much Sarah, it is such a pleasure to read about this special bound between Texas and France, I could never imagine that Bastille Day was celebrate outside France. I live in the south east of Paris...

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.

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