Belfort National Day

Two days of republican and popular celebrations

Belfort celebrates the National Day on July 13 and 14 with a festive program combining republican tradition and popular conviviality. The city, rich in its military history and legendary resistance of 1870-1871, experiences these days with particular intensity. The Bartholdi Lion, a symbol of this indomitable resistance, overlooks the festivities from the pink sandstone rock.

July 13: Popular ball and fireworks

The evening of July 13 opens at 9:00 PM with a grand popular ball at Place d'Armes, hosted by musical groups offering a festive and intergenerational repertoire. In a friendly and warm atmosphere, Belfort residents of all ages gather to dance and celebrate together.

At 10:30 PM, the traditional fireworks display lights up the Belfort sky. Launched from the Arsenal parking lot, at the foot of the majestic Bartholdi Lion, this pyrotechnic show accompanied by the greatest musical hits offers a striking tableau with the illuminated citadel and rock as a backdrop. The ball then resumes until the end of the evening.

July 14: Military parade and republican gathering

The day of July 14 begins at 10:30 AM with the ceremony and military parade at Place Corbis. Several military corps and security services participate in this solemn parade:

• 1st Artillery Regiment
• 35th Infantry Regiment
• National Gendarmerie
• Municipal and National Police
• Firefighters
• Customs and patriotic associations

At 12:00 PM, Place d'Armes hosts a republican gathering with the Mayor of Belfort's speech, followed by a republican aperitif offered by the City to all citizens present.

A strong symbol for Belfort

In the city whose Lion symbolizes resistance and national pride, the July 14 celebrations take on a special meaning. Belfort is the only territory in eastern France to have resisted Prussian annexation in 1871, and National Day is celebrated there with a popular and patriotic fervor that few other cities can match.