Paris Celebrates a Monumental Weekend: Pomp, Pride, Partying, and Freedom

Paris is alive this weekend with patriotic pride—from the Fête Nationale flyover that thunders overhead with fearless precision; to the Champs Elysées parade with its show of military might; to a celebration of l’Amour, the theme of the Quatorze Juillet fireworks; to the grand finale of the World Cup with our beloved Bleus. The national holiday festivities ended with a bang (or several bangs), last night with a spectacular fireworks display, launched this year from the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero. The two focal points for the exploding light featured dramatic solo moments, as well as duets where the streaming colors merged into one impressionist show. While I’m usually on the Champs de Mars side of the show, this year I opted for a Seine view from one of the many boats clustered around the Passerelle de Debilly—a unique perspective and, thankfully, an easy way home without the crushing crowds. La Fête Nationale commemorates the start of the French Revolution in 1789, a reminder of the Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité for which so many fought. The day is also a reminder that none of these ideals should be taken for granted. They must be protected. And, Félicitations aux Bleus!