Question 1

True or false: Fireworks are legally banned in France on July 14 due to safety concerns from past riots.

Accepted Answer

False. Fireworks are a central tradition of La Fête Nationale, with major displays in every city. They are not banned; sales are regulated but widely available.

Question 2

True or false: French people commonly call the holiday 'Bastille Day' just like Americans do.

Accepted Answer

False. In France, it's simply called 'La Fête Nationale' or 'le 14 juillet.' 'Bastille Day' is an English-language term not used by the French.

Question 3

True or false: The French national anthem 'La Marseillaise' was composed specifically for Bastille Day celebrations.

Accepted Answer

False. It was written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle for the Revolutionary army, not for July 14. It became the anthem later and is sung at the parade.

Question 4

True or false: The Bastille Day military parade has been held annually on the Champs-Élysées in Paris since 1880.

Accepted Answer

True. France's La Fête Nationale commemorates the Bastille storming with a military parade. First held in 1880, it has been an annual tradition (except WWII) featuring troops, vehicles, and aircraft along the Champs-Élysées.

Question 5

True or false: In some French towns, firefighters host public balls and dances on the night of July 13 and 14.

Accepted Answer

True. The 'Bal des pompiers' (Firefighters' Ball) is a beloved tradition across France, with fire stations opening their doors for dancing and fundraising.

Question 6

True or false: During the Revolution, July 14 was chosen because it was also the birthday of King Louis XVI.

Accepted Answer

False. Louis XVI was born on August 23, 1754. July 14 was chosen for the 1790 Fête de la Fédération anniversary, not linked to the king’s birthday.

Question 7

True or false: La Fête Nationale was originally celebrated on September 22 to mark the founding of the French Republic.

Accepted Answer

False. September 22, 1792, is the Republic’s founding date, but July 14 was chosen in 1880 as the national holiday to unite royalists and republicans.

Question 8

True or false: La Fête Nationale is a French national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which occurred on July 14, 1789.

Accepted Answer

True. La Fête Nationale, also known as Bastille Day, marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789, a pivotal event of the French Revolution.

La Fête Nationale Trivia Questions