From the 4th of July to Bastille Day: How France and America reinvent their nations through ritual

The article explores how both France and the United States use their national holidays to reinforce and reinvent their national identities, despite their different historical foundations. These celebrations, like the 4th of July and Bastille Day, are more than just festive occasions; they reflect deep-seated democratic values and national narratives. The evolving debates around these holidays highlight a broader crisis in how democratic nations articulate and maintain their national stories in an increasingly complex and globalized world. This cultural and political struggle underscores the importance of shared rituals in shaping and sustaining national cohesion.