Did you know? On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, freeing seven prisoners held there by the government and catapulting the start of the French Revolution. While the Revolution lasted until 1799, on July 14, 1790, this date become one of celebration and unity among the French people, known to them as Fête de la Fédération.
July 14 has been acknowledged as Bastille Day for over 200 years, yet only become an official French holiday in 1880 through law. Fast forward to 2024, the celebrations are one of the largest in France to this day, with many French-Americans travelling back to France annually at this time of year. The day is honored with military parades and conclude with dancing, fireworks, and a favorable wine.
As we honor Bastille Day and celebrate the freedom of the French, we also look to Paris as they prepare to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games from July 26 – August 11.
Five fun facts about the 2024 Paris Olympics:
- This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Games! The last time was 100 years ago in 1924, and previously in 1900.
- Around 206 National Olympic Committees will participate in 32 different sports with approximately 10,500 athletes.
- For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremony will be hosted on the Seine River and not within a stadium.
- About 45,000 volunteers will help make the Games a success.
- Bump, set, Eiffel! Beach volleyball games will be held under the Eiffel Tower at the Champ de Mars.
Go Team USA! The United States will have 592 participants in the Summer Olympics, consisting of 314 women and 278 men. Many household names will head to Paris for the Games, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, all members of the USA men’s basketball team who will seek out a fifth-consecutive Olympic title. Simone Biles returns to the Olympics for the third time and leads the women’s gymnastics team, while Katie Ledecky makes 2024 her fourth time participating in the Games and is known as one of the greats in swimming.
Show your team spirit!
Root for the home team while rocking some USA gear.
