National Day 2026 in Paris: the firefighters’ ball at the Boursault fire station in the 17th arrondissement has been canceled.

A French festive tradition, the firemen's ball is part of the July 14th festivities. Between fireworks displays, parades(on the Champs-Élysées in Paris) and balspopulaires, the Fête Nationale is celebrated all over France every year.

The story goes that the creation of the firemen's ball in Paris goes back to Sergeant Cournet, who decided to open the doors of the Montmartre fire station for the first time, as part of a popular ball on July 14, 1937. The aim was to strengthen ties between firefighters and local communities, while raising funds for the rescue services. Since then, every year between July 12 and 14, firefighters in the Paris region open their doors to welcome young and old alike, for the Fête Nationale!

While every fireman's ball is different, depending on the fire station organizing it, the main activity is to dance the night away to live music or DJ sets! Stalls offer drinks, snacks and food, often prepared by the firefighters themselves.

• To be read
• Top picks for the week of July 13–19, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

This Monday, July 13, 2026, dancers will gather at the Boursault barracks, located at 27 Boursault Street in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. The annual ball promises to keep us dancing well into the night, in a friendly, festive atmosphere.

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National Day: The best parties on July 13 and 14, 2026 in Paris, where to celebrate this weekend
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