Check out Le Petit Journal’s recap of lavish and loving Bastille Day street parties in 1914:
“In none of the innumerable balls which were held in Paris during these festive evenings was a single serious incident reported. Few arguments, no fights. The people of Paris have proven that they know how to have quite a bit of fun.”
Parisians knew how to throw down even during the height of the Great Depression. For much of the working class, national holidays were often their only opportunities for some rest and respite. Slip away into this world of sack races, picnics in the park, slippery pole-climbing competitions, and waltzing in the street.
Nap time, 1914. A national holiday such as Bastille Day was often the only opportunity the working class would have for a good lie-in.
And, for good measure, let’s not forget Vincent Van Gogh’s enchanting depiction of the streets of Paris on Bastille Day, 1886.
Bonne Fête Nationale!
Photos via John d’Orbigny on Facebook.
