Amid the Tastykakes, Philly’s Bastille Day celebration gets political
Signs of Solidarity joined up with The Bearded Ladies to infuse the fest with activist messages.

Although Bastille Day is political in origin — the French National Day commemorates a turning point in the revolution that brought democracy to that country — July 14 celebrations two centuries later are more weighted toward partying than politics.
That’s definitely usually the case in Philly’s Fairmount neighborhood, which turns out each summer for a street festival centered around a re-enactment of the storming of the Bastille.
Drag cabaret group The Bearded Ladies puts on a show with song and dance, area restaurants serve food and drink al fresco and a Marie Antoinette character (played by London Grill’s Terry Berch McNally) climbs to the top of a turret at Eastern State Penitentiary to shout “Let them eat Tastykakes” before showering the crowd with free sugary snacks.
But this year, in reaction to the current US administration, the fun-filled block party will also be infused with activist messages.
Here’s what Signs of Solidarity has planned for the event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15.
Video by Jordan Gunselman

What to know about Philly’s FEMA vaccination site at the Convention Center

Bikes, breathing, and barber shops: 5 new ideas to get Philly’s mental health back on track

Philly police arrest man outside Art Museum for ‘soliciting’ photos, with at least 5 officers on scene

Black history: Philadelphia’s explosive and violent 19th century race riots

With 1,000 federal convictions in 40 years, corruption is ever-present in Philadelphia

Women’s hiking hive, outdoor art workshops and wisdom from ‘auntie’: 5 ideas to help Philly millennials flourish

Welcome to Philadelphia, city of ‘implausible sounding things’

Mail ballot applications are open for the May primary — and yes, ‘permanent’ mail voters have to re-apply

My COVID vaccine: After a year of anxiety, what’s a night of freezing cold?

Inside Philly’s 40-year war on homeless encampments

From ‘Land-Based Jawns’ to ‘Freedom Greens,’ these entrepreneurs use food to help Philly heal

In three new ‘First 100 Days’ posters, Philly artists lay out policies for Biden and Harris

The $1 million sinkhole on the Schuylkill River Trail is finally getting fixed

Why aren’t there any Black-owned supermarkets in Philly? These grocers are helping blaze a trail

The five-year saga of Carson Wentz and the Eagles (as told in Carson Wentz GIFs)

The ‘Anti Flower Show Movement’ and the black and white photo sticker all over Philly streets

Neighbors avoid Olney transit hub after mass shooting: ‘I wouldn’t catch it there’

Philly’s only lesbian bar is shutting down, adding to a somber nationwide trend

Politics power move: Cherelle Parker, expected candidate for Philly mayor, elected DRPA chair
