Bastille Day 2024 in Central Park: a look back at the party in photos and video! [fr]

To not miss any of the events happening at the Consulate General, follow us on our social networks: Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, and follow the Consul General of France in New York, Cédrik Fouriscot, on Twitter and on Linkedin.

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, the Consulate General of France in New York and its partners, Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage and the Comité des Associations françaises et de langue française de New York (CAFUSA), organized a French music festival in the heart of the iconic Central Park. This unique event was an opportunity to celebrate the French national holiday and the values of France: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 French and American spectators enjoyed performances by talented French and French-speaking artists. That’s a record! Last year, the same event organized by the Consulate General and its partners attracted 6,000 people.

First, spectators were greeted by the emcee, Ingrid Jean-Baptiste.

The festival then kicked off with French classics performed by the Cadets Lafayette brass band, under the musical direction of Jacques Letalon.

This was followed by an extraordinary show by the group Magic System. After 20 years of making entire generations dance all over the planet, they had Central Park buzzing! With their upbeat Ivorian coupé-décalé sounds, and songs such as "Ambiance à l’africaine", "Chérie Coco" and "Magic in the Air", their energy amazed the audience.

Then, the Consul General of France in New York, Cédrik Fouriscot, spoke of the importance of celebrating the French national holiday and our values of Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, alongside our American friends and allies. The Consul General also thanked the partners of the Consulate for their great generosity.

Singer Marie Viapiano then sang the French and American anthems: the Marseillaise (twice!) and the Star Spangled Banner.

Thomas Vandenabeele, Secretary General of the Comité des Associations Françaises et de Langue Française de New York (CAFUSA) announced the big winners of the tombola organized by the Committee.

Then, the pop French singer Laurie Darmon performed her greatest hits, including the famous "Laisse-moi t’aimer".

The legendary rap group IAM then took to the stage, cheered by the audience. To the sounds of "Petit frère" and "Je danse le MIA", Akhenaton, Shurik’n, Kheops, Imhotep and Kephren brought the good vibes of Marseille, their hometown, in the heart of New York City!

Meanwhile, as the sun set in the heart of Manhattan, the iconic Empire State Building donned the colors of France and lit up in blue, white and red.

French DJ The Avener then set SummerStage alight with his electro deep house sounds, including "Fade Out Lines" and "To let myself go". The perfect way to end the evening!

Many thanks to all of you for this wonderful evening spent together. See you next year for another colorful celebration of our national holiday!

See all the pictures of the event taken by photographer Travis W Keyes on Flickr!

The Consulate General of France in New York would like to thank all the artists who performed at SummerStage and gave us an extraordinary show. Thanks also to Ingrid Jean-Baptiste for her contagious energy as emcee.

All of this would not have been possible withouth the invaluable support of our amazing partners:

• Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage
• Comité des Associations françaises et de langue française de New York (CAFUSA)
• JCDecaux
• French Bee
• L’Oréal USA
• Crédit Agricole
• Duane Morris LLP
• Natixis
• Dassault Aviation
• Château d’Esclans
• Chandon
• Moët & Chandon
• Moët Hennessy
• Whispering Angel
• Sofitel NYC
• French Morning
• Frenchly
• Le Petit Journal

Finally, thanks to our talented graphic designer Laure Dubuc for our beautiful Bastille Day poster.