Local Bastille Day 2013 Celebrations Start Saturday

Bastille Day is commemorated on July 14, the day that the people of Paris stormed the Bastille prison in 1789 and effectively began the violent overthrow of the monarchy to make way for a republic.  

Similar to Independence Day in the United States, Bastille Day is a national holiday that marks the beginning of modern France.

It looks like local celebrations will be a day early this year on Saturday, July 13.

Media will host its annual Bastille Day festivities Saturday from 6-10:30 p.m. There will be a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille at 6:30 p.m., as well as live music, dancing, children's activities, crafts and outdoor dining. State Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event.

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia will have a free theatrical performance, complete with a beheading and "Let them eat Tastykakes," a Philadelphia take on the French saying.

Local restaurants may also have certain French specialties for the holiday. If you know of any Bastille Day events that we missed or special menus, please add them to the comments area below.

Emefa Duho contributed to this post.