Firemen’s Balls in France Date in the current year: July 14, 2025

The exact origins of firefighters’ balls in France are unclear, but they likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. According to one account, firefighters could not participate in Bastille Day festivities because some were in the official parade, while others were on duty at fire stations. Therefore, they decided to host informal private celebrations at the stations for themselves and their families.

The first officially recorded firefighters’ ball open to the public took place in Montmartre in 1937. That year, a small group of firefighters returned from the Paris military parade accompanied by passersby. Sergeant Cournet, the guard chief that day, opened the doors of the Carpeaux fire station in Paris’s 18th arrondissement so they could continue the party. According to another version of the story, it was the passersby who were drawn to the noisy fire station by the party in full swing and invited themselves to join the festivities.

Other fire stations soon followed suit, hosting open-house celebrations around Bastille Day. Fire stations were decorated for these events, and the public was invited to celebrate with the local firefighters. These celebrations aimed to strengthen community ties and raise funds for fire station social activities and mutual aid funds.

Over time, the balls became a staple of France’s National Day celebrations. These balls are usually held before the main Bastille Day festivities, on the eve of Bastille Day (July 13) or as early as July 12. The reason for this is that these parties usually last well into the night, ending around 4 a.m., which would make going to work the next morning highly unpleasant. However, if Bastille Day falls on a Friday or Saturday, the balls may be held on July 14, since the following day is a nonworking day for most people.

The balls typically start around 9 p.m., though some begin as early as 6:30 p.m., particularly if there is entertainment for children. During firefighter’s balls, firehouse barracks are transformed into festive soirees where firefighters serve champagne and beer, mingling with the community. The program of festivities varies from one fire station to another but usually includes music, dancing, live performances, karaoke, and more. Most of the balls take place at fire stations, but some districts rent nearby venues.

The biggest firemen’s balls, of course, take place in Paris, but the tradition is alive in many cities, towns, and villages across France. Most are free events, although donations are encouraged, while others have paid admission. Regardless of the format, money raised at these balls is donated to charities, particularly those that help fire victims or support firefighters and their families. In underfunded districts, the donations may be used to improve firefighters’ working conditions.