July 14 Celebrations: Bastille Day & National Mac and Cheese Day

Today's Celebrations, presented by ApostilleHelp

July 14 Celebrations: Bastille Day & National Mac and Cheese Day

 

Quick answer: July 14 celebrates Bastille Day and National Mac and Cheese Day, a day that pairs French history with pure comfort food.

One day, two very different kinds of celebration, a nation's independence and a bowl of something warm and cheesy.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day marks July 14, 1789, when Parisians stormed the Bastille fortress, a moment that came to symbolize the start of the French Revolution and the end of absolute monarchy. Today it is France's national day, celebrated with fireworks, parades, and the iconic military procession down the Champs Elysees in Paris.

😄 Fun fact: The Bastille only held seven prisoners the day it was stormed, but its fall became one of the biggest symbolic moments in modern history.

Ways to celebrate:

• Watch a livestream of the Paris military parade or local fireworks
• Cook a simple French dish, from croissants to coq au vin
• Learn a bit about the French Revolution's key figures and events

National Mac and Cheese Day

National Mac and Cheese Day honors one of the most beloved comfort foods around, a simple combination of pasta and cheese sauce that has been a household favorite for generations, from stovetop classics to baked, breadcrumb-topped versions.

😄 Fun fact: America's first documented mac and cheese was served at a White House dinner in 1802, a dish that traces back to James Hemings, the enslaved chef who trained in Paris and brought the technique home.

A note on history: James Hemings (1765 to 1801) was enslaved by Thomas Jefferson and trained as a chef in Paris starting in 1784, becoming head chef at Jefferson's Paris residence by 1787. It was Hemings, not Jefferson, who learned to prepare pasta and cheese in France and is credited as one of the first American chefs to make the dish. Hemings negotiated his freedom in 1796. Source: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

Ways to celebrate:

• Make a batch of homemade mac and cheese, stovetop or baked
• Try a new mix in, bacon, jalapeno, or extra sharp cheddar
• Share your favorite recipe with a friend or family member

Whether you are celebrating a national holiday abroad or just enjoying a comforting meal at home, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them. Visit ApostilleHelp.com or CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

FAQ

What is celebrated on July 14?
July 14 is Bastille Day, France's national day, and National Mac and Cheese Day in the United States.

What does Bastille Day commemorate?
Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress on July 14, 1789, a key event that marked the start of the French Revolution.

Labels: Bastille Day, National Mac and Cheese Day, France, French Revolution, ApostilleHelp, Today's Celebrations, July Holidays, James Hemings