Philadelphia seems to love it’s quirky traditions – on Saturday, July 16 join Philly in storming the Eastern State Penitentiary for it’s Bastille Day celebrations!
By Nichole Baldino
Bastille Day is the French National Holiday commemorating the beginning of a new type of government. On July 14, 1789 the French revolutionaries stormed the prison (or the Bastille) where the monarchs sent those who disobeyed their orders, releasing the captured prisoners. It helped the French to gain a feeling of independence. This day is celebrated annually in France and throughout the world. Philadelphia does it’s part celebrating as hundreds of “revolutionaries” (natives, tourists and professionals alike) storm the “Bastille”, or in this case the Eastern State Penitentiary, dragging Marie Antoinette with them straight to the guillotine on July 16!
The Penitentiary has a line up of French inspired events and activities all weekend, with a huge reenactment commencing at 5:30pm on Saturday. Starting at 2:00pm on Saturday, come dressed in your revolutionary-best for the pet and bicycle parade, followed by a French fashion show, musical performances, and Can-Can dancers! At 5:30, 2,000 Butterscotch Krimpets will be thrown from the towers to capture Antoinette as she cries “Let them eat Tastykake!” (Get it? ha ha ha)
Throughout the day explore the “Bastille” ($12 admission) and visit tents hosted by local owners featuring everything from face painting to flowers to tips on French cheeses.
Be sure to reserve a table at a Fairmount area restaurant for after the celebrations, as French cuisine specials will carry on into the evening and even the next day. Don’t miss this unique city tradition weekend, where you can start out with a “Fairmount French Fling Bar Crawl” on Thursday night and end it with a French “champagne brunch” Sunday morning!
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