July 14 is Bastille Day, a widely recognized holiday in France and beyond.
Bastille Day celebrates the pivotal moment in 1789 where the sans-culottes, aka lower and middle classes, of Paris stormed the Bastille — a medieval fortress that was made into a prison and epitomized the oppression under the absolute monarch, Louis XVI, according to the France Channel’s website.
This monarch was notorious for incarcerating political prisoners, radical writers and dissidents. These “dissidents” would be detained by the king’s arbitrary orders, called the “lettres de cachet” (letters of the sign or signet) and placed in the Bastille. This revolution represented the fall of the absolute monarchy. It defined the beginning of democratic power which included the abolition of feudal privileges and the establishment of secularism (freedom and equality under the law and parliament for all citizens).
In France, July 14 is known as “Le Qu Quatorze Julliet” and “La Fête Nationale.” It is a national holiday to celebrate the French Revolution and the overthrowing of a despot. In Berkshire County, some of our local businesses and organizations have events and sales promotions surrounding this date.
Here are some of them.
At Domaney’s, “we take immense pride in our expansive selection of rosé wines — and one standout is La Charmel Rosé,” said Ed Domaney, owner Domaney’s Liquors and Fine Wine in Great Barrington. “This elegant French wine is dry, crisp, and refreshingly delicious and perfect for celebrating Bastille Day in style,” Domaney noted.
Sean Tucker, store manager buyer and events planner at Spirited Wine in Lenox said the store will be hosting a weekend sale with 20 percent off all French Wines through July 14. “We will also be hosting French wine tastings [Friday and Saturday],” he said added.
Sweetgrass Botanicals Dispensary in Lee will sell French books at half price in honor of the literary traditions of France. “We have many French books — some I translated myself — for sale right here in our lakeview book nook on Sunday,” said Cassandra Purdy, owner, chef and translator. “There will be a “deux pour dix” (2 for 10) offer on those volumes,” she added.
Nejaime’s Wine Cellars in Lenox and Stockbridge is offering 20 percent off on all southern French wines — including Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, Languedoc & Provence, according to marketing manager Judy Marzotto. The Stockbridge shop will host a special event, “Philippe’s Weekly Pour,” from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, featuring Philippe Jeanjean, WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certified sommelier.
If you missed Daire’s Bottleshop and Provisions’ Pre-Bastille Day extravaganza on July 10, you could still take advantage of two other events. There will be free summer wine tastings at its Lenox location every Saturday during the summer — 1 to 4 p.m. this week. Daire’s also will host an oyster party and free wine tasting from noon to 6 p.m. July 25.
If you want to celebrate Bastille Day through a fundraising event for children, consider Chesterwood’s inaugural Garden Tea Party fundraising event from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the gardens of the Stockbridge property built by American Renaissance sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931).
“All proceeds to support Chesterwood’s Programs for Children,” said Miguel Rodriguez, Chesterwood’s executive director.
Devonshire Estates, a senior living residence in Lenox, will offer a sales promotion on Monday, said Annemarie Martel, community sales manager. “Anyone who signs up for a tour of our community and then shows up will receive a cake for our “Let Them Eat Cake! Bastille Day promo!”
Concepts of Art in Lenox will host artist Karla Gudeon with a “Painting, Pastries and Prosecco” event from noon to 4 p.m., said owners Tracy and Sam Haupt.
Regardless of how you plan on celebrating Bastille Day, “Vive le 14 Juillet!” (Long live July 14).
RX TIPS FOR SAVINGS: Looking for another experience this weekend? On Sunday, the Becket Athenaeum will be screening “A Minecraft Movie” from 4 to 6:30 p.m. as a free family movie, said Kate Hubbell, program coordinator. The movie starts at 4:30 p.m. with pizza, light snacks and beverages being provided.
She encouraged people to RSVP to accommodate the turnout.
Martin J. Lecker, Ed.D., author of “Conducting Business Ethically: A Philosophical Approach,” is a SUNY distinguished teaching professor emeritus of business and may be reached at mlecker@twc.com.