What is july 4th

Independence Day in the United States

When Is Independence Day 2023?

Quick Facts

Related Holiday

Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as the Fourth of July. It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States.

Is Independence Day a Public Holiday?

This is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day.

Independence Day is a patriotic holiday celebrated by Americans worldwide.

Celebrate Independence Day

Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games.

Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot.

Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today’s Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument that is associated with Independence Day.

Public Life

Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations.

There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.

About Independence Day

In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them.

The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described «pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations» throughout the United States. However, the term «Independence Day» was not used until 1791.

Independence Day Observances

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.

Other Names and Languages

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Fun Holiday on 4 июль 2023 г.

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Fireworks, flags, parades – on July 4th, the United States celebrates its birthday. Learn everything you need to know about America’s Independence Day, from the origins to beloved traditions and 2022 highlights.

Independence Day: history & background

On July 4th, the United States celebrates the anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. In 1776, representatives of the then 13 colonies signed the famous document with which they declared their independence from the British crown, and of which the whole of America is still extremely proud today.

The background for this historical event was an increasing dissatisfaction of the colonists with the ruling monarchs in Great Britain. Before 1776, the colonies were subject to British law and had to pay high duties for the import of goods such as sugar, coffee, tea, or spirits.

As the English king responded to the demands with a new tax on tea, the famous Boston Tea Party took place on December 16th, 1773, during which Americans expressed their displeasure. 342 boxes of the highly taxed tea – a symbol of oppression for the colonists – were dumped into the harbor of Boston.

This was followed by the American War of Independence, in which the US Army was led by George Washington, who later became the first president.

Declaration of Independence

All 13 existing American colonies voted for independence from Great Britain on July 2nd, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 representatives of the colonies just two days later, on July 4th, 1776 – the United States of America was born!

The Declaration of Independence defined the political and moral philosophy for the country that would subsequently become the United States of America. All Americans to this day are very proud of the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. At the time, the ideas were revolutionary, making America the first modern democracy:

The most famous part of the Declaration of Independence:

«We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. «

How does America celebrate Independence Day?

Celebrating Independence Day has a long tradition in America. As early as 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the port of Philadelphia was decorated in American national colors. Solemn parades with a large fireworks display and 13 cannon shots (one for each of the 13 colonies at the time) made the event a special day for everyone present.

The future President John Adams, who was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, wrote to his wife that the Independence Day fireworks should be so big that they could be seen «from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.» Thus was born the tradition of large fireworks displays on July 4th.

In addition to fireworks, parades and concerts are held throughout the country to mark the birth of American independence on July 4th. Family barbecues are also a popular Independence Day pastime among Americans.

Of course, the blue, white, and red colors of the star-spangled banner can’t be missing anywhere during all the celebrations. Even if Americans like to show their flag often, even on ordinary days, they are really everywhere come July 4th – on cars, in stores, in newspaper ads, or on TV. Many Americans wear the flag on their outfits, and even pets are dressed in blue-white-red.

Top Independence Day Events

There are plenty of places to celebrate Independence Day in America, but these five venues are sure to give you goosebumps:

Independence Day in Philadelphia

Where better celebrate Independence Day than in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed? The largest town in Pennsylvania honors America’s day with a ceremony called the “Celebration of Freedom” and a huge parade of wagons and brass bands, drawing 5,000 spectators to line the streets of Philadelphia’s historic center.

Once you’ve traveled to Philadelphia, be sure to also visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell Center, where the bell that was rung during the signing hangs today.

Indepencence Day in Bristol

Do you want to experience a traditional Independence Day celebration? Then head to Bristol in the US state of Rhode Island. The “Patriotic Exercises” have been held here continuously since 1785. The nostalgic event features a 4 km long military, civic, and firefighters´parade with bands, drum corps, and a festival wagon competition.

Indepencence Day in the Black Hills

You can spend Independence Day under the watchful gaze of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, South Dakota. Celebrations at the world-famous monument include concerts, educational and cultural programs, and lookalikes of the presidents.

Indepencence Day in New York City

Many say that the most beautiful fireworks displays for the 4th of July can be seen in New York City. The “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” features professionally choreographed pyrotechnics and musical accompaniment featuring classical and patriotic songs. Being fired from ships positioned on the East River, you can see the show from Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. If you want to get really close to the spectacle, you can also sign up for a boat tour on the East River.

Independence Day 2022 in New York City

Many US travelers expect to see a parade in New York City on the 4th of July, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. However, New York features an incredible fireworks display that attracts the attention of three million spectators! The spectacle of lights consists of 48,000 fireworks, lasts about 25 minutes, and is one of the largest displays in the world. The show starts between 9:15 pm and 9:30 pm on the East River near Midtown Manhattan. The best places to see the show are Long Island City, Greenpoint in Brooklyn, or Midtown Manhattan between 14th Street and 50th Street.

Indepencence Day in Washington D.C.

Spectacular Independence Day fireworks are also unleashed into the night sky above the monuments of Washington D.C. every year. Before the color spectacle gets underway, the «National Independence Day Parade» and the celebrity-filled «Capitol Fourth» concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol traditionally ensure a good mood among the partying crowds.

Independence Day 2022 in Washington, D. C.

America will celebrate its 246th birthday with the «National Independence Day Parade» on July 4th, 2022, in Washington, D.C. The parade will pass along historic Constitution Avenue from 11:45 am and will be viewed by many thousands of enthusiastic spectators. In addition, just like last year, a spectacular fireworks display will light up Washington’s night sky.

Fun Facts zum Independence Day

Your thirst for knowledge is not yet satisfied? We have found a few more interesting facts about Independence Day:

Do you want to learn more about celebrations in the USA? We have more exciting articles about typical holidays in the land of opportunity for you! Learn everything about popular American holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween.

Why Do We Celebrate the Fourth of July? 4th of July Facts for Kids

When we think of the 4th of July, we think of BBQs, fireworks, parades, and summer. You may see red, white, and blue decorations or people handing flags outside their businesses or homes. Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the 4th of July? July 4th is America’s birthday. It was the day we gained our independence. Find out more about this patriotic holiday with this 4th of July Facts for Kids.

What is the 4th of July?

July 4th is American independence day. It represents the day the colonists won the American Revoluntary War and became independent from Britain. It is also America’s birthday. Happy Birthday, America!

Why do we call it Independence Day?

We celebrate the 4th of July because it represents the day America became separate from British rule. Under British rule, the Colonists were unhappy with the British government. They felt they were unfairly taxed and had no vote on the laws that affected them. The colonists decided to write a document announcing they were no longer part of the British government and would be a new nation called the United States of America. This document is known as the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence

The continental congress declared victory from breaking away from Great Britain on July 2nd, 1776. On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence gave the United States independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was officially signed on August 2nd, 1776. The first person to sign the Declaration of Independence was John Hancock.

Thomas Jefferson is credited for writing the Declaration of Independence. However, the Committee of Five, our Founding Fathers (Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston) were all involved with the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.

13 Colonies

America didn’t always have 50 states. America started off with 13 colonies that were under the rule of Great Britain. The original thirteen colonies were Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Georgia, and Virginia.

The American Revolutionary War

The Declaration of Independence was written during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

Before the American Revolutionary War, the 13th colonies had freedom, but they were still under British Rule. The colonists did not want to follow British laws. They wanted to solve their problems and make their laws here.

The British did not like this. They wanted more control over the colonies, so they made new laws. The colonists did not like the new rules. They were least happy about the Stamp Act.

Stamp Act

Under the Stamp Act, colonists were forced to pay taxes on printed items, including newspapers. The colonists protested the Stamp Act. In 1767 the Townshend Acts were passed. The Townshend Act taxed many items, including tea, paper, glass, lead, and paint, coming to the ports. The colonists became angrier.

The British felt they had to do something to keep order; they sent soldiers to Boston Massachuttes. On March 5th, 1770, the British soldiers shot into crowds of people, killing Americans. This incident was called the Boston Massacure. On that same day, the British parliament stopped most of the Townshend Act tax but kept the tax on tea.

Boston Tea Party

In 1773 the British parliament passed a law making tea expensive for the colonists. The colonists were angry, and on December 16th, 1773, colonists went on a British ship to Boston Harbor and threw their tea cargo into the water. It was known as the Boston Tea Party.

After the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament made new laws that colonists felt were unfair, called the Intolerable Acts. The British wanted the colonists to pay for the tea they threw into the water.

The colonists knew they had to go something. They met together in 1774 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The colonists told the British to stop the Intolerable Acts. The British refused, so the 13 colonies knew they had to work together to fight the British.

The colonists formed troops called minute men. Minute Men had to be prepared to fight at a moment’s notice. They put George Washington in charge of an army and fought against the British. The Colonists won, and the United States of America was born. George Washington would go on to be America’s first president.

4th of July Facts for Kids

Did you know the country’s population in 1776 was around 2.5 million? Today the population is about 304 million.

The first event celebrating the 4th of July at the Whitehouse was in 1801. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal of the US, but he was outvoted, and the bald eagle became the national animal.

Do you know why we celebrate the 4th of July with parades, fireworks, and BBQ? Many believe that it has to do with a letter John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3rd, 1776. In the letter, Adams said the day should be celebrated with parades, games, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one side of the continent to the other from this time forward and forever more.

The fourth of July became a federal holiday in 1870. It became a federal paid holiday in 1941.

The first fourth of July firework display took place in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1777.

Every state has firework displays on July 4th. The largest fireworks display is Macy’s Annual 4th of July fireworks in New York City.

Two men who signed the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4th, 1826.

July 4th, 1826 was also the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Calvin Coolidge is the only President that was born on July 4th.

Americans spend a total of one billion dollars on fireworks every year.

More hot dogs are eaten on July 4th than any other day.

4th of July Traditions

Popular July 4th Foods

Representatives of each of the 13 colonies who signed the Declaration of Independence.

New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Caroline: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward Jr., Thomas Lynch Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Fourth of July Coloring Pages

Free printable fourth of July coloring page

Why Do We Celebrate the 4th of July?

Fireworks, barbecues, and parades are just a few of the traditional 4th of July events most people think of when they are asked, “What is the 4th of July?” But do you know why we celebrate the 4th of July? From the first celebration of the new nation’s freedom to how we celebrate the 4th of July today, there is a lot to cover.

Do You Have Ancestors from the 1700s?

FamilySearch might know more about your ancestors than you do. Come find out for free! Connect to the shared family tree to see how many generations you can find there—maybe yours will go all the way back to Independence Day.

What Is the 4th of July?

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence. The American colonies wanted their freedom from Great Britain, and on 2 July 1776, the Continental Congress voted for that independence. The vote passed; however, it wasn’t until two days later, on the 4th of July, that the Declaration of Independence was revised and signed.

What Did the First 4th of July Celebration Look Like?

Before the American Revolution, colonists held birthday celebrations for the king of England, which included bonfires, parades, speeches, and the ringing of bells. However, during the summer of 1776, many towns celebrated their new independence by creating a type of mock funeral for the king. His death symbolized the end of a monarchy and the beginning of democracy in the new nation.

Where Do 4th of July Traditions Come From?

The first annual celebration for July 4th was held in Philadelphia in 1777. Towns across the country celebrated in their own ways, but most celebrations included bonfires, parades, canon or musket fire, and lots of public speeches.

The tradition of fireworks on the 4th of July came from the 1777 celebration in Philadelphia. A ship fired a 13-gun salute to honor the 13 colonies, and the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

Though many cities celebrated Independence Day at the time, Massachusetts was the first state to actually designate the 4th of July as a holiday, which happened in 1781. In 1870, the United States Congress made the 4th of July a federal holiday.

How Is the 4th of July Celebrated Today?

Many 4th of July traditions today came from those first celebrations in 1777. Early 4th of July traditions included public gatherings where participants celebrated their hard-fought independence by ringing bells in revelry, building bonfires, lighting fireworks, and firing canons. It was a time to remind people of their rights and freedoms. It was also used as a time to encourage support for either the Federalist or Democratic-Republican Party.

The traditional 4th of July celebration might also include a band, town festival, and a barbecue. Barbecues often included the whole town or a more intimate group of friends and family. If you attended a barbecue back then, you might have been served an ox roast or barbecued beef or lamb.

Today, the popular 4th of July barbecue menu includes the following, and more:

Fireworks are another favorite 4th of July tradition. Some states allow the use of fireworks privately; however, many do not for safety reasons. Instead, families across the United States gather up lawn chairs, blankets, and perhaps mosquito repellent and head to a local park for a fireworks show, which can sound reminiscent of the canon fire from the early celebrations in the late 1700s!

Do you have ancestors who celebrated America’s independence in the 1700s? Take a look at your family tree to see if your ancestors lived in the new republic in the late 1700s.

Don’t have a family tree yet? Getting started is easy! By connecting to the shared family tree, you may find you are already off to a great start.

17 Fun Independence Day Facts to Celebrate July 4

Updated On: July 1, 2022

Happy 4th of July. This is America’s Day! It was on July 4th, 1776 that The United States became an independent nation. From that day forward, July 4th has been known as Independence Day.

Who did the United States gain independence from? Britain of course. Before that, the US was a British colony, but they didn’t like that at all. It was by winning the American Revolutionary War that took place from 1775–1783 that they finally won independence. Another fun fact: The United States won the American Revolutionary War with the help of France.

Facts about Independence Day Celebrations

Table of Contents

Independence Day is a time to break out the barbecue, stock up on fireworks, eat a lot of hot dogs, and drink a lot of Budweiser Beer. Hot dogs and fireworks may sound like strange things to mention, but after doing some research on Independence Day, we found out that hot dogs and fireworks have a lot to do with America’s July 4th holiday.

There are a lot of other quirky facts about July 4th as well. So we thought we’d round them all up in one place for you.

Fun and Quirky July 4th Facts

July 4th is the United States National Day and most patriotic day of the year. But it wasn’t until 1941 that Independence Day was declared a nation paid holiday.

With red white and blue blowing in the wind, Americans celebrate in their backyards and get together at night for exciting fireworks displays all over the country. All while taking the day off!

Independence Day Facts

It’s pretty similar to Canada’s July 1st celebration. Our patriotic celebration happens just three days earlier than our neighbours to the South. The first weekend in July is a big one in North America. There’s a fact for you – Canada and the US both celebrate long weekends together at the beginning of July.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is America’s symbol of freedom. The torch represents enlightenment and it lights the path to liberty and freedom. The official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.” It was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi just in time for the centennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. The tablet she is holding has the date July 4, 1776 engraved on it.

2. Three Presidents Died on July 4th.

3. Two Presidents Died on the Same Day – July

Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence and both died on the same day. Weird.

4. Born on the 4th of July

President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4th, 1872, putting him forever into the history books. Tom Cruise starred in the movie Born on the Fourth of July; that really has nothing to do with Independence Day, but the title works for this post. His birthday is July 3rd. Hmm.

5. Fireworks

6. American Flag

65% of Americans own an American Flag. And you guessed, most are made in China.

7. Could have been a Turkey instead of an Eagle

Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a Turkey. He said the bald eagle is a bird of bad moral character, the turkey is a more respectable bird.

8. Road Trip

The First week of July is typically the busiest travel week of the year in the United States. (Something tells this year will be quite different) Popular American Road Trips are The California Coast, Route 66, Black Hills of South Dakota, the Florida Keys, and many more! Americans love a road trip!

9. More Coincidences on the 4th of July

Future Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence. And yes, they are the guys that both died on the same day.

10. Philippines celebrates July 4 after Independence from the United States

Ironically, on July 4th, 1946, the Treaty of Manila was signed in the Philippines giving them independence from…The United States.

11. Mount Rushmore

There are 4 Presidents on Mount Rushmore: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Thomas Jefferson Signed the Declaration of Independence. Read more: How to Visit Mount Rushmore – The Ultimate Guide

Controversy of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore was built on sacred Lakota land. The nearby Crazy Horse Memorial is just 16 miles from Mount Rushmore and is just as impressive. It pays tribute to Crazy Horse, one of the last hold outs to surrender to the American government.

Designer, Korczak Ziolkowski promised the Lakota People that no federal funding would be involved and the project has relied on public funding for more than half a century. Read more about Crazy Horse: Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota

12. Sign Your John Hancock

The Term “Sign Your John Hancock” comes from an actual guy named John Hancock. He was the president of the Continental Congress and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

13. Hot Diggidy Dog!

The favourite food for the 4th of July is the Hot Dog. America consumes about 150 million hot dogs on this date. (poor little piggies)

14. Movies and July 4th

The Biggest Blockbuster movies of the year open on Independence Day weekend. But Will Smith, he is king of the Independence Day openers with five out of the top 20 hits opening on this date in history.

Some Notable July 4th Weekend Movie Openings.

Note: Will Smith stars in five of the top 20 Independence Day Movies

15. So what is Independence Day?

16. July 2

Congress officially declared its independence from Britain on July 2nd, 1776. the vote on Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence was nearly unanimous. John Adams assisted in the draft of the Declaration of Independence and felt that Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2nd.

17. August 2nd 1776

Although it is widely believed that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, Only John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed it on July 4. The rest of the 56 delegates from 13 colonies actually signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776, to make it official.

Why did they choose July 4th? July 4th was the day it was officially adopted and it had a couple of signatures, so why not?

Do you have any fun Independence Day Facts? What is the biggest patriotic celebration in your country? Is the beginning of July a long weekend for you too?

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