Wine, the national drink of France, and Bastille Day

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Wine, the national drink of France is at the heart of Bastille Day celebrations. So, this national holiday is always an occasion to raise a glass. Yet, few people know the little stories behind these toasts. So, let’s discover together some funny and interesting anecdotes.

Wine, the national drink of France at popular festivities

First of all, wine has always played a vital role in Bastille Day dances. So, at the beginning of the 20th century, in some villages, public fountains were replaced with barrels of wine. Then, villagers could help themselves freely to celebrate liberty. Yet it wasn’t always fine vintages! So, it often happened that local winemakers offered their surplus to neighbours.

Next, another amusing anecdote dates back to 1880. So, that was the year Bastille Day officially became a public holiday. But did you know that wine flowed freely in the barracks too? However, President Jules Grévy feared that the soldiers might drink too much. So, he gave orders to add a little water to the barrels to prevent any drunken excess. Yet wine remained the star of the party.

Wine, the national drink of France at the heart of the fireworks

First of all, Bastille Day is not just about parades. So, when night falls, the spectacle continues in towns and villages across the country. Then, one anecdote tells how, at the end of the 19th century, some mischievous pyrotechnicians added a few drops of wine to the fireworks powder to make the sparks more colourful! However, this playful trick was quickly banned because it made the fireworks less predictable.

Next, in some regions, wine is still very much part of the celebrations. So, it is not unusual for winemakers to join the Bastille Day dances and pour their own wines. Then, a glass among friends makes the evening even more joyful. So, wine unites all generations in a light and festive mood.

Finally, Bastille Day is more than just a date on the calendar. So, it is a living tradition. Then, people recall the old stories and create new ones. Yet one thing never changes in this swirling celebration: wine always accompanies these moments of joy. So, wine, the national drink of France, continues to bring people together and warm hearts on Bastille Day as throughout the rest of the year.