Commemorating the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution in 1789, Bastille Day is France's most spectacular holiday. Bastille Day 2011 was marked by colorful military parades and spectacular air displays as proud citizens took to the Champs-Élysées avenue to celebrate.

Bastille Day, known in France as Fête Nationale, commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, which was held on the one-year anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a Parisian prison that housed very few inmates, but which came to symbolize the tyranny of the Bourbon monarchs.

In addition to the parade, Bastille Day 2011 included a bevy of festivals, galas, parties, and an Incredible Picnic.

The day did have one sobering moment. Appearing at the festivities, French President Nicolas Sarkozy dedicated this year's celebration to five French soldiers who lost their lives serving in Afghanistan.

Here's a look at the festivities in Paris:

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Alpha Jets trail France's national colours over the Champs Elysee during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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Tanks roll down the Champs Elysee during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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Soldiers of the French Foreign Legion march during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (standing L) rides down the Champs Elysee in a military command car during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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French army armoured vanguard vehicles (VAB) lead jeeps as they are driven down the Champs-Elysees during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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France's XV Pacific regiment military rugby team demonstrate their Haka in front of the presidential reviewing stand during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris, July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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French firemen perform during the traditional Bastille Day parade in Paris July 14, 2011. REUTERS
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