The military parade, held as part of the national celebration, is an yearly ritual that combines the spectacle with a political message. Despite the costs estimated at EUR 3 – 4 million this year, The French treat this event with large sentiment. They were organized with a unique momentum to show the strength and modernity of the French military, especially now that president Emmanuel Macron is planning to double his defence budget. 7,000 participants appeared in the Champs Elysées, from soldiers and firefighters through military school students to 200 horses from the Republican Guard. 1 of them got peculiar attention, tripped, dropped the rider... But just a minute later, as if nothing had moved on with the column, proudly presenting himself to the Parisians.
There were awesome images in the air
65 aircraft and 34 helicopters flew over the heads of the crowd, including legendary Rafales and A400M transport. On the ground you could see 155 military vehicles, from armored transporters to modern artillery systems. France has shown that it is not only ready for defilade but besides for action.
An equally strategical decision was to invitation allies. The marchers included individuals who work regular with the French army in global operations, specified as the French-Finnish from the UN Mission in Lebanon or the crew of the "Auvergne" vessel which took part in NATO missions in the Baltic Sea. Their presence was to item Paris' commitment to planet peace and security.
The celebration continued all day in a joyful mood
Next to military shows there were animations for children, shared fun and picnic atmosphere. In Paris, as well as in many another cities of France, you could see equipment, talk to soldiers, or make commemorative selfies with a commando or pilot. In the evening the tradition was done. erstwhile fireballs, a performance under the Eiffel Tower and a spectacular show of fireworks and drones that lit the sky above the Seine.
Although the main celebrations went smoothly, the balance of police interventions does not let you forget yourself. In Paris alone, 351 people (707 across France) were detained, despite the presence of 65,000 officers and firefighters. Especially on the outskirts of the capital was violence. Cars, dumpsters, buildings were destroyed. Police reported more than 280 fireworks attacks, confiscated illegal pyrotechnic materials. Over 30 police officers were injured.
National festival, although spectacular, one more time revealed tensions that in France do not vanish with the end of fireworks.
