French expats in Bengaluru celebrate Bastille Day with cultural events and food

On July 14, French expats across Bengaluru celebrated Bastille Day, marking the French National Day with cultural events, traditional food, and community gatherings. The celebrations, which took place at local venues including the Alliance Française de Bangalore, brought together the city's French diaspora to commemorate their homeland's history and values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Marc Lamy, the Consul General of France in Bengaluru, noted that the national day serves as a symbol of the country's founding motto. To mark the occasion, the French consulate organized its annual celebration featuring a range of activities highlighting the partnership between France and India. The event included a lottery with prizes offered by Indian and French companies, a concert, and a selection of French gastronomic specialties, wines, and champagnes.

Other institutions in the city also held special events. The Alliance Française de Bangalore organized a concert tracing the evolution of French music since the 16th century. The center also arranged a live stream of the France vs. Spain football semifinal match at 12:30 a.m. on July 15, which coincided with the national day celebrations. Jean-Marc Depierre, director of Alliance Française de Bangalore, noted that the live screening added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

For individual expats living in Bengaluru, the holiday was an opportunity to share their heritage. Nathan Dubois-Stora, a regional director at an interior design firm, organized a French breakfast for his Indian colleagues to connect over shared culinary traditions.

The celebration also prompted expats to share fond memories of July 14 traditions in France. Dubois-Stora recalled watching the military parade on television and attending the "Bal des Pompiers," a tradition where fire stations open their doors for public dances. Amiel Guerin, founder of Amiel Gourmet, remembered watching seaside fireworks in Nantes, while Simon de Erdavide, an HRBP at an air travel company, recalled historical reenactments in Compiegne and enjoying traditional French cheeses, bread, and wine.