Residents of Elphin Lodge swapped the ordinary for a little French flair when Elphino’s Coffee Shop was transformed into a slice of Paris for a festive Bastille Day celebration.
Thirty-six people gathered at Elphino’s on July 14 to enjoy freshly baked croissants with cheese and jam, coffee, French music and décor in the colours of the French flag. Miniature Eiffel Towers on the tables and songs by legendary French singer Édith Piaf added to the atmosphere.
Bastille Day, France’s national day, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789 – an event widely regarded as the start of the French Revolution. It is celebrated each year as a tribute to France’s history, culture and national identity.
Wanda de Groot, the driving force behind Elphino’s Coffee Shop, said the themed event was about giving residents the opportunity to experience another country’s traditions without travelling far.
“Bastille Day gave us the chance to celebrate French food and culture in a fun, relaxed way, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the experience,” she says
Elphin Lodge deputy manager Hlumela Anderson says themed social events add variety to village life. “Our residents really embraced the French theme. Events like these encourage social interaction and create happy memories,” she says.
