Happy Bastille Day!

Today marks the annual French celebration, La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration), otherwise known as Bastille Day. Commemorating the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, Bastille Day mainly celebrates the French Revolution and subsequent establishment of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

While Bastille Day in France is quite the event, with parades, fireworks, and more, Minnesota Francophliles can also join in the fun.

The Alliance Français, a Twin Cities French cultural center, will be hosting a Bastille Day celebration this Saturday, July 16, from 4 to 6pm at the University Club in St. Paul. For more information and a complete schedule of events, feel free to visit their Bastille Day 2011 page.

Barbette and vita.mn are also hosting a Bastille Day Block Party this weekend, on Sunday. Good news, if you wanted to spend all weekend celebrating! Rain or shine, the event will be held on Irving and Lagoon in Uptown and will feature performances, music, and more! A portion of the proceeds from the event will even be donated to local charity, People Serving People.

So, if you want to get out and get down all in the name of Bastille Day, you've got some options. Of course, a tasty meal at Chez Daniel would suffice just fine as well!

Viva La Revolution and Happy Bastille Day, all!