Speaking calendar/Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale)
July 14th · Liberty & Revolution

Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale)

The national day of France commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789—the spark that ignited the French Revolution. It’s a day of massive military parades, fireworks, and firemen's balls. Today, we explore how one historical event can define a nation’s modern identity.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. How does your own country celebrate its national day or independence day? What are the key traditions?
  2. Do you think massive military parades (like the one in Paris) are an inspiring way to celebrate, or an outdated display of power?
  3. Why is the history of a revolution so important to the identity and laws of a modern country?
  4. Are you proud of your country's history, or are there specific parts of it you wish you could change?
  5. "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." Which of these three French values is the most important for a successful society?
  6. If you had to plan the perfect national holiday, what would the activities be?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Revolutionary Speech

The Task: You are a Revolutionary Leader in 1789. You are standing on a box in the street, trying to convince the crowd to fight for their rights.

Give a 1-minute speech about what needs to change in your society.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire National Day

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best part of a national celebration is..."
  • "Revolution is necessary when a government..."
  • "The most important symbol of my country is..."