Most of you know that the 4th of July is Independence Day in America, but do you know that the 14th of July is France’s National Day? Every year, we celebrate the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and the start of the French Revolution. The most important part of this holiday is the fireworks. Since today is the day, I selected four fireworks from all over the world, including one on the 14th of July last year.
2013: Diwali Fireworks In London, UK
In London, I met a group of Nepali guys through a French friend. That first year in the UK, they made me discover Diwali. London had organized a giant show of fireworks above a field. I remember it was cold, but we had a great time!
Why was it cold? Well, because Diwali is celebrated during Winter, the date changes every year, but it’s between October and November. This year, it will be on the 12th of November.
Last year, I attended festivities in Toulouse, and it was beautiful!
Diwali is quite an old celebration, more than 2,000 years old. Before, people were lighting lamps and candles, and then fireworks were added. It’s said to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. Depending on where you are in India, different stories can be heard: the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya (that’s the story Toulouse was telling last year, if I remember correctly), the victory of Lord Krishna against the demon Narakasura, or the legend of Lord Vishnu sending the demon King Bali to the netherworld.
2018: Loy Krathong Festivities In Sukhothai, Thailand
You might have read my article about that magical time in Thailand celebrating the lanterns festival. In Sukhothai, I had the chance to witness extraordinary fireworks above the lake and with floating lanterns. My hotel was nearby and I could enjoy the night without worrying about going back in the night.
People were so relaxed. I think everybody enjoyed a fresher evening after a very hot day under the sun. This might be my favorite city in Thailand. Ancient, beautiful and peaceful.
2018: Fireworks In Sydney With A Friend
In 2018, I met again a friend, Melissa, from a previous trip. We had a massive and delicious Italian dinner near the harbour. And then, we sat near the water to see the fireworks. No special occasion, and I loved that! My friend seemed to think that it was normal to have fireworks every other evening. Haha, sometimes, Australians are so laid-back.
It was a wonderfully relaxed evening. We even slid on a toboggan. I hadn’t done that in years and it was really fun!
2022: 14th Of July in Toulouse
In all the years I lived in Toulouse, I could only watch the 14th of July once. Yep, Covid was a pain in the a**. And I’m really glad I mastered the courage to get out in the crowds because it was a really great show above the Garonne.
Also, since I moved to another city, I won’t have the opportunity to watch the 14th of July in Toulouse anytime soon.
What about this 14th July?
Well, as I write these words, I plan on seeing the celebrations of the 14th of July in Lyon, probably from Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica. But nothing is formally organized, so I’ll see when the time comes.
To see more photos of:
- the United Kingdom: gallery United Kingdom,
- Australia, gallery Australia,
- Thailand, gallery Thailand,
- France, gallery France.
