French National Day

French Day returns to the heart of Bratislava on the Main Square for the thirteenth time. For the thirteenth time, we will celebrate the French national holiday with the residents and visitors of the capital, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille.

The Bastille, a symbol of the “old regime”, was attacked and captured by the Parisians on July 14, 1789. This event marked the beginning of the Great French Revolution (1789 – 1799), during which the foundations of human rights were laid for the first time.

Visitors will be able to stroll through the French market on the Main Square – twenty stalls will offer refreshments in the form of delicious desserts, cheeses and drinks from 4:00 p.m.

In addition to French colors and flavors, lovers of the French language, sports and cosmetics will also find their place here. Just a few steps from the Main Square, the French Institute will offer creative activities for children and youth.

The free cultural program will be held in French and Slovak under the leadership of actress Lucie Hurajová. The RDS – Joris Yacoub ensemble will provide a dance performance, which will make the entire square dance. The voices of the participants of the singing competition I Sing French will also be heard.

The celebrations of the French Festival 2025 will culminate with a concert by the group Désert Désir (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM), which will perform original pop songs.

PROGRAM

16:00 – 18:00 : Open Day at IFS

16:00 – 22:00 : French Village

16:30 : Welcoming the public

16:40: I sing in French

17:00: Learn French, it will be your plus!

17:15 – 19:15 : Open-air screening: Asterix and Obelix – Mission Cleopatra

19:30 – 19:45 : Dance performance by the RDS Art Group

20:00 – 21:00 : Concert by the French group Désert Désir

Désert Désir

Have you ever danced on a club floor that lit up under your feet? This feeling is called Désert Désir, a radiant blend of 80s pop and today.

Like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, Désert Désir brings flashes of light and seductive smiles to make the audience dance, come alive and light up.

The group was formed in 2020 from the desire of four childhood friends – Adrien, Erwann, Louis and Théo – to move bodies and hearts. Here, everyone sings: voices blend like Parcels under the light of a disco ball; electric synthesizers recall the first songs of Indochine and funky guitars merge with the style of L’Impératrice. Let’s groove tonight.

Excited by their emotions, they write lyrics in French, in which they tell their memories, experiences and first experiences. The group’s energy draws from the spontaneity of the Rolling Stones, bringing the audience a final dose of adrenaline: Désert Désir is not only listened to and watched, but also dreamed and lived.

In 2023, they won the competition of the La Nuit de l’Erdre festival, which allowed them to play a concert on the main stage of the 2024 edition.

Joris Yacoub

Joris Yacoub is a passionate Latin dancer and an active member of the RDS Bratislava art scene. He specializes in Latin American dances such as salsa, bachata and reggaeton and spreads the energy, warmth and cultural richness of Latin America with his movements. Charismatic and generous, Joris shares his love of dance during performances and workshops open to all, where a friendly atmosphere, passion and rhythm reign.

I sing in French

The winners of the French singing competition “I sing in French” will sing songs in French.

Location: Main Square, 811 01 Bratislava
Date: Monday, 14.07.2025
Start time: from 16:00 – 21:00
Admission: free

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