Independence Day (United States)

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July or the Fourth, is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from the United Kingdom of Great Britain. On Independence Day there are many events such as fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events. These events celebrate the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day
Displays of fireworks, such as these over the Washington Monument in 1986, take place across the United States on Independence Day.
Also called	The Fourth of July The Fourth
Observed by	United States
Type	National
Significance	The day in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress
Date	July 4
Celebrations	Fireworks, family reunions, concerts, barbecues, picnics, parades, baseball games

Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.

Families often celebrate Independence Day by having or going to a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the day off and in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives and friends. People may also do fun and relaxing hobbies like any other day off such as swimming, fishing, boating, sunbathing, playing sports, or just kicking back and relaxing. Many stores are open on the fourth so people may go shopping. In the evening, people may launch their own fireworks. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.

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  In addition to a fireworks show, Miami, Florida lights Miami Tower with the patriotic red, white and blue on Independence Day.

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  New York City's fireworks display, shown above over the East Village, Manhattan

On the 4th of July Americans do these things:

• Fireworks
• Hold parades
• Bake red, blue and white desserts, such as cakes and cookies
• Create 4th of July wands.

Independence Day (United States) Media

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  Independence Day issue of The Saturday Evening Post in 1924

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  An illustration of American children celebrating noisily in a 1902 Puck cartoon

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  An 1825 invitation to an Independence Day celebration

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  A 2014 Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C., the national capital

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  Originally called "Yankee Doodle", this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of '76. Often imitated or parodied, it is a familiar symbol of American patriotism.

• The 2019 Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C.

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  The 4th of July in Manila, Philippines, c. 1905

• Patriotic trailer shown in theaters celebrating July 4, 1940

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  Fireworks over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., every July 4 are preceded by a concert known as A Capitol Fourth, which takes place outside the U.S. Capitol and is televised on the American public television network PBS.

Related pages

• Juneteenth National Independence Day