14 July- Military Parade and more

[HelloBamboo]

Coming Tuesday is the 14th of July. 

On the 14th of July (often referred to in English as 'Bastille Day') the President presides over a parade of more than 60 different army units, many dressed in colourful costumes that seem rather impractical to wear when fighting; but then, haute couture can often be impractical to wear too... This takes place on the Champs Elysees of course. 

I thought I'd share some pictures with you here.  You can find a more complete story with more pictures here. I recommend having a look if you're in town (especially if you've never seen this before) as the different costumes make for quite a spectacle. 

Apart from the Military Parade, there's also
- The Firemen's Balls. Paris's Fire Stations hosts parties that are open to all, and feature lots of young muscular men in short sleeves (i.e. the firemen, who are something of a national sex symbol). More info at the link above. Both the 13th and the 14th.
- Fireworks, around the Eiffel Tower, best viewed from the Champs de Mars at 23h on the 14th.


The Parade starts with Jets streaming the colours of the French flag

[HelloBamboo]

Some great squadrons today, including a Mexican representation:


As well as bearded Foreign Legionnairs

[Deleted]

Yes, the Mexicans and their eagles were excellent!

The precision marching by all of the groups is always amazing. It's as though their lives depended on it. And I love it how the formations split so precisely when they arrive at Concorde, except for the Légion Etrangère, "because the legion never splits up."

[Deleted]

These are such wonderful photos - the axemen and the eagles have us fascinated. I hadn't realised that the Foreign Legion was active in Mexico!

[HelloBamboo]

@lizzyfaire, the Mexicans were guests- they have nothing to do with the French Foreign Legion.

They enjoyed meeting eachother- and posed for pictures together- as much for the specatators as for their own enjoyment ;-)

[Deleted]

Jul 15, 2015 6:27:41 GMT HelloBamboo said:

@lizzyfaire, the Mexicans were guests- they have nothing to do with the French Foreign Legion.

They enjoyed meeting eachother- and posed for pictures together- as much for the specatators as for their own enjoyment ;-)

Do a search on Battle of Camarón.

[Deleted]

I think HelloBamboo meant that they have nothing to do with each other in the year 2015.

[Deleted]

Military men have long memories.

[bixaorellana]

Desperately trying to catch up to all the great stuff being posted, I finally opened this thread & am completely knocked out! Helloooooo, HelloBamboo! I was shuffling out of town just as the festivities were cranking up, so am particularly grateful for these fabulous pictures & commentary.

What's the deal with the axes, please?

[Deleted]

The Legionnaires are famous for carrying axes as part of their material. Could have been machetes instead.

It should probably be noted that the marching Legionnaires on the 14th are also famous for their beards, but actually the vast majority of 'normal' Legionnaires are clean shaven.

[Deleted]

The are sapeurs (sappers), engineers who build bridges, entrenchments, etc. Also know for their leather aprons.

[HelloBamboo]

The bearded ones are ' Les Pionniers de la Légion étrangère. The Pioneers (or Sappers) are a traditional unit of the Foreign Legion. They wear large beards and the traditional Foreign Legion Pioneers uniform including leather aprons and axes.

The 1er RE as the Legion’s only regiment has traditionally the pioneer platoon, composed of at least 3 NCOs and 36 ordinary soldiers.

The parades of the Foreign Legion are opened by this unit. It has to maintain the sappers tradition of “opening the way“, because of using their axes and shovels to clear enemy obstacles in the past.'