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

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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

Today's Celebrations — July 13: Embrace Your Geekness Day & National Beans 'n' Franks Day

 

Today's Celebrations — July 13: Embrace Your Geekness Day & National Beans 'n' Franks Day

July 13 celebrates two very different kinds of pride, proudly geeking out over your favorite obsession and proudly sitting down to a plate of beans and franks.

Whether you are into comics, coding, or just really into your fantasy football spreadsheet, and whether you like your beans and franks straight from the can or slow simmered all afternoon, today gives you two easy reasons to celebrate.

Embrace Your Geekness Day

Embrace Your Geekness Day encourages people to proudly share the niche interests they might otherwise keep to themselves. From sci-fi and anime to obscure trivia and deep dives into a favorite hobby, the day is a reminder that specialized passion is worth celebrating, not hiding.

😄 Fun fact: The word "geek" originally referred to sideshow performers, not tech enthusiasts, so today's celebration has come a long way.

Ways to celebrate:

• Rewatch your favorite sci-fi or fantasy movie marathon style
• Share your most niche hobby or fact with a friend, no explaining required
• Browse a comic shop, bookstore, or online forum dedicated to your interest

National Beans 'n' Franks Day

National Beans 'n' Franks Day celebrates the classic pairing of baked beans and sliced frankfurters, a comfort food combo with roots in Civil War era camp cooking that became a canned convenience staple by the 1890s. Also known as "beanie weenies," it remains a go to for easy summer meals and cookouts.

😄 Fun fact: Beans and franks go by different names depending on the brand, but Van Camp's is the only one that can legally call it Beanee Weenee.

Ways to celebrate:

• Make a quick stovetop batch for a weeknight dinner
• Bring a pot to a summer cookout or potluck
• Try a new twist with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, or a smoky spice blend

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Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Embrace Your Geekness Day?
It's an annual observance on July 13 that encourages people to openly share their niche interests and passions, from pop culture to hobbies most people have never heard of.

What is National Beans 'n' Franks Day?
Celebrated every July 13, it honors the classic comfort food pairing of baked beans and sliced frankfurters, a staple of American summer cookouts since the late 1800s.

Are there other celebrations on July 13?
Yes, July 13 also includes National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day, National Delaware Day, and Gruntled Workers Day, among others.

Labels: Embrace Your Geekness Day, National Beans 'n' Franks Day, Today's Celebrations, ApostilleHelp, Daily Celebrations, July Holidays