What was the Festival of the Federation?

The Festival of the Federation (Fête de la Fédération) was a national celebration on 14 July 1790 on the first anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille. It celebrated the French Revolution and national unity.

What happened at the Festival of the Federation?

During the Festival of the Federation, the Marquis de Lafayette led around 350,000 French citizens in an oath swearing loyalty to "the Nation, the Law, and the King." The days after were filled with feasting, plays, and music.

What is the significance of the Festival of the Federation?

The Festival of the Federation's significance is that it is one of the first instances of French patriotism, in the modern understanding of the word. It is also the first celebration of 14 July, France's national holiday, which is known in the English-speaking world as Bastille Day.

Festival of the Federation

Definition

The Festival of the Federation (Fête de la Fédération) was a celebration that occurred on the Champ de Mars outside Paris on 14 July 1790, the first anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille. With over 300,000 people in attendance, the event honored the achievements of the French Revolution (1789-99) and the unity of the French people.

More about: Festival of the Federation

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14 Jul 1790
300,000 people attend the Festival of the Federation outside Paris, an event celebrating the French Revolution and national unity.

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