Strasbourg, France, in the year 2024 🇫🇷 has been experiencing unusually wet weather and shorter daylight hours since early spring. So far this July, there have only been a handful of truly sunny, summery days that we could call truly European. But amidst the unpredictable weather, one event shone brightly: the annual fireworks display for the Fête Nationale. This year was even more special, as it was the first real fireworks display in the city after a two-year hiatus.
The Fête Nationale, also known as Bastille Day, commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution. In Strasbourg, this celebration is traditionally marked by a dazzling display of fireworks. In the past, the fireworks would start abruptly, going off with a bang for about 15 minutes without a break.
But 2024 brought a delightful twist—a drone show to kick things off. Having heard about drone shows since they became a hot topic during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (2021), I was thrilled to finally see one in person. The show began with drones painting the sky with the French flag's colors, followed by intricate designs celebrating the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Then, although it was hard to tell from where I was, the highlight was Marianne (Marianne: a female figure representing the French Republic) writing with a quill pen that Strasbourg had been selected as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2024.
Fireworks Strasbourg 2024
While the drone show was a novel experience, I found it a bit underwhelming compared to the traditional fireworks. Still, it set the stage for what was to come. As the drones dispersed, the sky lit up with the burst of fireworks. The beauty and power of the display, which I hadn't seen in two years, truly shook my heart. Each explosion of color and light was more breathtaking than the last, reminding me of the magic of live fireworks.
The only drawback was the smoke. With almost no wind, the smoke from the fireworks lingered, making it difficult to take clear photos. Despite this minor inconvenience, the experience was unforgettable. The fireworks painted the night sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, each burst echoing the cheers and gasps of the crowd.
As the Fête Nationale drew to a close, the atmosphere in Strasbourg shifted toward the holiday season. The old town was still quieter than usual, with fewer tourists. But many of my climbing friends had already left for their vacations, leaving me with a tinge of sadness as it became harder to find climbing partners. Still, the memory of the fireworks was a bright spot, a reminder of the joy and community spirit that such events bring.
This summer's fireworks will remain a special memory, not only because it was the first time they were accompanied by a drone show but also because it marked a return to normalcy after a challenging period. If you ever find yourself in France during the Fête Nationale, I highly recommend experiencing this beautiful moment. There's something incredibly special about enjoying a fireworks display in a local atmosphere, surrounded by the rich history and culture of France.
I find myself hoping for the return of steady summer days filled with sunshine after the Fête National. Until then, I will cherish the memory of this spectacular night, a night when the skies of Strasbourg came alive with light and color.
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