France cautiously celebrates Bastille Day, clouded by virus

France is celebrating its national holiday Wednesday with thousands of troops marching in a Paris parade and traditional parties around the country

PARIS -- Bastille Day is back, sort of. France is celebrating its national holiday Wednesday with thousands of troops marching in a Paris parade and traditional parties around the country, after last year’s events were scaled back because of virus fears. This year those fears are still lurking, but the government decided to go ahead with the parade on the Champs-Elysees as part of a broader effort to return to pre-pandemic activity. The number of spectators is limited, and they are being restricted to a small section of the parade. In addition, each spectator must show a special pass proving they have been fully vaccinated, recently recovered from the virus or a negative virus test. Similar restrictions will be in place for those gathering to watch an elaborate fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday evening.