Happy Bastille Day 2009!

Fireworks under the Eiffel Tower.

It's a party!

Ooh la la! Bonne fete! Today, July 14th, is the French national holiday, and it commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a turning point in the French Revolution.

In 1789, the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison, was stormed by hoardes of angry demonstrators. Soon after, the event became a symbol of the French people's triumph over the monarchy, and even became an example set for all other modern nations.

Today, massive celebrations are held throughout France, with the army marching in parades and the main avenue, The Champs Elysees, decked out in thousands of French flags.

And the party goes beyond just Paris. There are huge commemorations everywhere, from New Orleans' famous French Quarter to Indonesia's French Embassy.

So if you want to help celebrate French independence, or if you just need a reason to party, find the nearest French-looking person and share a croissant and a bottle of wine. Freedom never tasted so good.

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