PHILIPSBURG:---The July 14 celebrations of Bastile Day on the French St. Martin will be in full swing this Tuesday. The day signifies an historic event of the French Revolution in 1789 when a crowd stormed the Bastille, a fortress in Paris that was used as a state prison. The Bastille became an icon for the French Republican movement; the fortress was later demolished and replaced by the Place de la Bastille.
As customary the day will start with a church service for government offices and invited guest at 9am, this will take place at the Catholic Church in Marigot. The annual wreath laying ceremony at the collectivity will commence at 10:15am. The parade consisting of various drum bands and uniforms divisions will take place at 10:30am; a delegation from the Dutch side is expected to be present during the official ceremony. The Fire brigade will be honored by the government during a pinning ceremony followed by official speeches and a toast at 11am.
The official holiday on the French side has been celebrated and recognized for years and is known for its fun sports activities. Sail boating, bike and swimming are the major sports events taking place back to back starting at 1:30pm to 3pm. There will be a volleyball and basketball contest at the Louis Vanterpool Stadium starting at 4pm. The sports activities will come to a close with a 6K race around Marigot starting at 5pm.
The day will come to an end with its fun entertainment program. The gun slingers and Jolly boys will kick off the program from four in the afternoon until 7pm on the waterfront. Food and drinks will be on sale from various vendors. The control band from the Dutch side will take the stage at 8pm closing the festivities on the French Side.
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