Although La Fête Nationale — or Bastille Day as it’s known in English-speaking countries — hearkens back to the dawn of the French Revolution, it’s fundamentally a celebration of culture. At this time each year, French people around the globe, from Nice to New Orleans, honor their heritage and pay homage to those who fought for the principles of Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity).

In Paris, crowds gather along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to enjoy parades, heading to the Eiffel Tower for fireworks and live music later on. In Marseille, the Vieux Port plays host to two days of festivities. Wherever the celebration takes place, you’ll surely hear the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” resounding throughout the streets.

Seen on church bell towers since the Middle Ages, the French rooster, or Coq Gaulois, also appeared on French flags during the revolution of 1789. The bird that crows at dawn has come to symbolize vigilance as well as the people of France. In today’s Doodle a procession of blue, white, and red hens and roosters enjoy a Bastille Day parade.

Bonne Fête Nationale!