An attack on Australian child on Bastille Day
Bastille Day in country Aubusson France
14th July – Bastille Day.
A day of national celebration?
Being in a remote area in the countryside we didn’t have a huge choice.
We went looking for action, but we were surprised with how it ended.
We thought there were night-time celebrations with fireworks and came in early for a look – well that was totally wrong.
So I wasn’t even prepared with the camera with what followed.
Exploramum and Explorason – the parade begins
Next thing I knew, a young dancer came and threw paper confetti all over me. I had been attacked.
She was gorgeous and we were laughing and I felt really happy to be here.
Exploramum and Explorason – the first bombardment of confetti
Paper confetti filled the streets, and the air was filled with music from the loudspeakers.
Exploramum and Explorason – Explorason is showered with confetti
A few oldies hung out of their windows and watched from above.
The confetti even showered down from above.
Exploramum and Explorason – the Indians are coming
These floats were pretty well home-made and by the looks of them, the children had participated.
This was a parade for the kids.
Next came a tee-pee.
The little Indians ran around with bags of confetti – most of it seemed to make its way down my top and into my underwear.
Suddenly there was a boy with a black t-shirt who discovered my son, and a confetti war started.
The Indians were attacking!
Exploramum and Explorason – The Indians are attacking
I joined forces with my son and gathered handfuls of paper bombs.
Exploramum and Explorason – we take revenge – with paper pieces.
He was on his knees. So was half of the town. All gathering what they could to attack back.
Exploramum and Explorason – collecting the ammunition
It was a fun war, but nevertheless, a war was to be had.
I was commandeered to collect confetti and join in as to who could bombard whom with least resistance.
We were then targeted and bombed continuously.
It was in my mouth, hair and itched its way inside my clothes right down to my feet.
Exploramum and Explorason – warding off the enemy
Next, the clown joined in and the whole town seemed out to get us.
Exploramum and Explorason – the clown makes a surprise attack
They knew we were not locals and they really made a point of making us feel special and join in a day like we had never experienced before.
Toward the end, Explorason was part of the gang.
He was in with the boys, and I love the fact that language barriers form no part of the experience.
Kids are kids.
Fun is fun, and it was a hoot!
Exploramum and Explorason – hang on – a guy in a dress wants to join in
There was one last final attack on us when we least expected it.
The French had won the war!
Exploramum and Explorason – the final attack
We will never forget the battle on Bastille Day.
We were attacked.
We came away unscathed but needing to strip off.
Exploramum and Explorason – victory
It was a victory for the French, but in a way, it was a victory for us, as we were part of a mighty celebration.
To learn more about Bastille Day – click here
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Questions and Comments
- What do you find fascinating about France?
- What do you make of my visit to France?
- Have you ever participated in Bastille day in Aubusson France?
- What was your experience?
- Do share your comments with us below.
The Bastille Day parade sounds like a fun day – and a win/win situation. But I don’t understand the significance of Indians and tepees in a Bastille Day parade.
Donna – I think the kids just made all different ‘floats’. They were all themed differently.
Loved this. Although Santa Cruz de Tenerife (which has been my base for years now) has a great Carnaval, 2nd only in size to Rio, the best one I ever went to was in Nice, France. Then peope were running round bombarding each other with silly string. It was totally impossible not to join in! So NOT how peope think of the French ….. although I’ve never had the sort of experience folk talk about, so I can only speak as I find!
Thanks Linda – yes I agree – the silliness was the best!