Locals have gathered annually for over a decade to celebrate Bastille Day in Bishop Arts. The holiday celebrates Dallas' unique connection to French history.

The History

Bastille Day is a French National Holiday that celebrates the storming of the Bastille — a military fortress and prison — on July 14, 1789. The uprising helped usher in the French Revolution. After the revolution, many French settlers came to Texas during the mid-1800s, and Oak Cliff became a French settlement.

A French philosopher named Victor Considerant wrote a book that encouraged other settlers to make their new start in Texas, called "Au Texas." Both Considerant and his mentor — Utopian socialist philosopher, Charles Fourier — believed there was a rare opportunity to build and start new societies centered around land and agriculture here in Texas.

Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14. | Picture via Wikimedia Commons

Considerant returned to Europe where he encouraged more settlers to move to Texas. Thanks to his endorsement, a new colony of settlers had formed on the south bank of the Trinity River, covering nearly 1,200 acres, by 1855.

The settlement became home to 350+ colonists and became known as “La Reunion.” After 18 months, the colony disbanded, but Dallasites can still find their influence today at Reunion Tower, Victor Prosper Apartments, and La Reunion in Bishop Arts.

Bastille on Bishop
Now that you're an expert, celebrate the unique history of the French during Bastille Day on Bishop. The French festival is held every July to celebrate the roots of La Reunion.

The main event will be held on Saturday, July 14. Festival goers are encouraged to dress up in their berets and join their friends and family for a stroll through the market, wine tastings, and live music. The event is free to walk, but tickets can be bought for wine and food tastings.