COMMEMORATING the most pivotal revolution of modern times, France celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and the Fête de la Fédération on July 14, 1790.
1789 July 14, is synonymous with the struggle for liberty and personal freedom, equality and fraternity, as an ideal of solidarity. The storming of the Bastille in Paris marks one of the first mass actions of the under classes as they started to throw off their chains and claim the right to equality as human beings.
Many of the important intellectual, philosophical and legal struggles for fundamental freedoms emanate from the French Revolution and the creation, three years later, of the French Republic.
Liberty, reason and knowledge as the basis of the declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen have influenced modern legal systems, and human rights practices.
Liberty meant freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom from unreasonable government (torture, censorship, and so on). It’s a national holiday and celebrations are held all over France.
Several Bastille Day traditions contribute to the festivities of the French national holiday (also simply called le quatorze juillet — July 14th), but the biggest tradition is the parade that takes place every year on the morning of this day.
This is truly a patriotic event held on Champs-Élysées in Paris which makes an impressive showing of all the branches of the French military in Europe.
Of course, Bastille Day is celebrated worldwide – and also celebrated by smaller groups of people who have some sort of ancestral or cultural connection to France.
All of the events present a taste of what it is to celebrate in the French style.
Our year so far:
1. Comic Festival — Fans of comics, manga and graphic literature in Fiji were invited to the Alliance Française’s “Comic Book Festival” from February 11 to 20.
The week-long Comic Book Festival was a focal point for comic fans, collectors and artists in Fiji.
2. Gout de France (Good France) —If there is ever a day to embrace every French cliché, this is it! On March 19, Fiji was the first country in the participating countries in five continents to celebrate the worldwide Gout de France/Good France.
3. Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Lecture Series — Following the success of the “WW1, Fiji & Ratu Sukuna” exhibition last November the Embassy, hosted a three-day lecture series on March 23 at the USP ICT Japan Centre.
The Embassy also acknowledges the support of the President of the Fiji Republic, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau during the exhibition and the three-day lecture series.
4. Visit of the French Navy frigate, Vendémiaire
Our military co-operation which is mutually beneficial, is based on a co-operative relationship and supported by a regular joint exercise program. The core of this co-operation is maritime surveillance, a regional priority to fight against illegal fishing and trafficking.
This co-operation also includes platoon exchanges between the French and the Fijian armed forces. The French Armed Forces based in New Caledonia are also very active in disaster response, in co-ordination with Australia and New Zealand, under the FRANZ Agreement.
5. Francophonie Week
Organised by the Alliance Française de Suva, Francophonie Week, otherwise known as National French Week is an annual celebration of French language and francophone cultures. The purpose of National French Week is to increase the community’s understanding and appreciation of the French language.
6. La Fete de la Musique
The weeklong music festival in Suva was launched by the Fijian Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou.
The celebration began with a parade, led by the National Youth Brass band from the Suva Flea Market to Ratu Sukuna Park.
7. Co-operation (Fiji National University and the Embassy of France)
The Embassy of France and the Fiji National University (FNU) have had a successful co-operation over the years. Early this year, the FNU’s School of Hospitality at the Nasese campus received funding from the French Embassy for kitchen equipment.
8. French Ambassador, Michel Djokovic presents his credentials to King Tupou VI in Tonga. French Ambassador Michel Djokovic was in Tonga on May 26, 2015 to present his credentials to King Tupou VI, who received him at length. He was accompanied by his wife. The French Ambassador also hosted a reception in Nuku’alofa for the Tongan Prime Minister, Akilisi Pohiva and other government officials. He also met Cardinal Mafi.
