July 14th is Bastille day - a commemorative celebration of the storming of France's Bastille in 1789. This holiday is celebrated by the French and francophiles around the world. In NYC there were a number of different celebrations (some on Saturday the 14th and some on Sunday when these photos were taken) with various activities around town. This year I chose to check out the Brooklyn scene where it turns out there were two celebrations, both on Smith Street in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn. The larger of the two was sponsored by Bar Tabac at Smith and Dean, where several blocks were closed off for the various activities. Sand was brought in and Pétanque courts were created for the day. This celebration was claimed to be the largest outside of France. There was live music and of course food and drinks - Ricard and Lillet appeared to be quite well represented. A few blocks down Smith Street, the bistro Provence en Boite was having its own celebration, with the requisite Pétanque contest, food, drink, music and other activities. Across the river in Manhattan, there was the annual uptown celebration sponsored by the French Institute-Alliance Française, held on 60th Street, between Fifth and Lexington Avenues. Downtown, at Les Halles, the home base of chef Anthony Bourdain, there was a classic waiter's race. Last year I went to the celebration on MacDougal Street in SOHO, run by the restaurant Provence (click here for posting, photos and video). If you have never been to a Bastille Day celebration in NYC, I recommend them as some of the better quality street fairs this city has to offer. Vive la France! ...
Monday, July 16, 2007
Bastille Day 2007
July 14th is Bastille day - a commemorative celebration of the storming of France's Bastille in 1789. This holiday is celebrated by the French and francophiles around the world. In NYC there were a number of different celebrations (some on Saturday the 14th and some on Sunday when these photos were taken) with various activities around town. This year I chose to check out the Brooklyn scene where it turns out there were two celebrations, both on Smith Street in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn. The larger of the two was sponsored by Bar Tabac at Smith and Dean, where several blocks were closed off for the various activities. Sand was brought in and Pétanque courts were created for the day. This celebration was claimed to be the largest outside of France. There was live music and of course food and drinks - Ricard and Lillet appeared to be quite well represented. A few blocks down Smith Street, the bistro Provence en Boite was having its own celebration, with the requisite Pétanque contest, food, drink, music and other activities. Across the river in Manhattan, there was the annual uptown celebration sponsored by the French Institute-Alliance Française, held on 60th Street, between Fifth and Lexington Avenues. Downtown, at Les Halles, the home base of chef Anthony Bourdain, there was a classic waiter's race. Last year I went to the celebration on MacDougal Street in SOHO, run by the restaurant Provence (click here for posting, photos and video). If you have never been to a Bastille Day celebration in NYC, I recommend them as some of the better quality street fairs this city has to offer. Vive la France! ...
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8 comments:
Bastille the world over...neat pictures!
I wonder if they make as much of it as we do July 4th...
By impression is that they have significant celebrations throughout France. There are fireworks, military parades, and dance parties. Bastille Day also falls during the Tour de France.
I've enjoyed my visit to NY again today Brian, never realised there would be French themed days here.
South Shields Daily Photo
I've always heard f the NYC Bastille Day Celebration. And when I see your shots, I am impressed even more.
Looks like a great party!
I was in France on July 14 last year. It was closed - every shop, including Petrol Stations, had closed and everyone was out celebrating.
Great photos. You should stop by ADP to see my husband's photo for Bastille Day - I think you'll like it!
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