America has the 4th of July and the French have Bastille Day.

On July 14, 1789 an outraged group of Parisians stormed the bastille, a fortress and prison in france, where prisoners of influence were held in hopes of capturing ammunition.  Thus, marking the beginning of the french revolution, the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the modern republic.

The party began last night; fireworks were heard all over the city beginning at 11pm.  The streets were loud, even in our neighborhood.  There is a military parade in the morning down the Champs-Elysees as well.