The French Independence Day, more popularly known as Bastille Day, is celebrated every July 14. It is a national holiday in France, and it honors the storming of the Bastille by the French people during 1789, which instigated the French Revolution. Ideally, celebrating Bastille Day should be done in Paris, and many people of French descent make an annual pilgrimage to the city to join the festivities. However, if this is not possible for you, there are still other ways for you to celebrate La Fete Nationale within the comforts of your own home or even your own town.

o If you can actually go to Paris and celebrate Bastille Day there, you can attend the Fete de la Federation Feast and take part in its numerous activities. There will also be various military parades and grand parties in the city, so it is best to go there ahead of time. Don’t forget to book your hotel in advance as thousands of travelers flock Paris during this time.

o Throw a Bastille Day celebration in your own home and invite friends and family to join in on the fun. Put up a French flag, prepare French delicacies, and play French music. There are recipes online for cooking French fare such as pates, escargot, and foie gras. Make a toast to France by using French champagne and wine. You can even ask your guests to dress as their favorite French icon.

o If cooking is not your thing and you want to avoid the work involved in throwing a party, you can still have the French experience by dining in a local French restaurant. Make reservations on Bastille Day and celebrate July 14 with other guests. Most French restaurants will have a special gathering on that day, and you can honor your heritage by sampling various French cuisines and participating in wine tastings. This is also a good way of meeting locals that like you are of French descent, as well.

o Go to a local music festival or a Fete de la Musique where symphony orchestras will be performing music from French composers such as Debussy, Berlioz, and Ravel. Famous artists such as Edith Piaf and Jacques Brell may have their own tributes in smaller venues.

o Instead of having a big party, you can also pay tribute to France by holding a film festival in your home. Show movies by auteurs such as Francois Truffaut, Jean Luc-Godard, and Jean Renoir.