4th of July is on Thursday, in 2024
Independence Day (or the 4th July ) is a federal holiday in the US. In the United States. Independence Day, or more commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Independence Day is celebrated with barbecues, picnics, concerts, carnivals, parades, fireworks, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies.
There are many public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fourth of July celebrations often take place outdoors as it is summer in the US. Families celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue with family members. When Independence Day falls on a Monday or Friday many take advantage of a long weekend to gather with relatives or friends.
4th July Decorations including balloons, streamers and clothing are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American Flag.
Parades are normally held in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, near beaches and in town squares.
Independence Day in the United States – the Biggest Birthday Celebration in the World
Independence Day in the United States is by far the most important national holiday of the year. Independence Day is one of those days that the country and its people need to celebrate together, especially in complicated times such as the 21st century. Commonly known as the Fourth of July or July 4th, Independence Day brings American people together in a way that not many other holidays can.
The Statue of Liberty – A symbol of America’s Independence
The Statue of Liberty symbolizes America’s independence and the freedom the country offers to all that enter. It was given to the United States in 1886 by France (shipped in 214 crates and assembled on what is now know as Liberty Island in the New York Harbor.)
National Importance of the 4th July
The United States is a fairly young country, and the original birthday of the US was actually not that long ago. In 1776, the original thirteen states came together and separated from England with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. During this time, the brave Founding Fathers knew that the future ahead would be full of danger and risk to themselves and their families, but the importance of the country was greater than any one person.
Thus, in 1776, the United States of America was born. After years of extremely difficult fighting and war, the country came out on top and began its existence as a peaceful country. This was the defining moment for the country, and that is why Independence Day is of such great importance for American people even today. Without July 4th, there would be no America.
Independence Day – Placement on the Calendar
The 4th of July holiday is in the middle of summer time so there are countless festivals and parties all dedicated to celebrating this important day in the history and modern day USA. Most traditional American summer time activities are in full swing by this time including water activities, beach trips, and cookouts and barbecues.
What to do on the 4th July | Activities for Independence Day
Some of the most traditional things to do on of the Fourth of July are:
Fireworks
Fireworks have become the primary symbol of the 4th of July holiday. Besides the Red, White, and Blue, fireworks are a symbol of the USA and Independence Day.
Barbecues and Cook-outs
One of the most traditional ways for Americans to celebrate all summer holidays including Independence Day is to host or attend a cookout or barbecue. Most churches will have one of these events for its congregation on the 4th of July, and many will use it as an outreach for the community surrounding the church. Typically foods at these events include hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, kebabs, steaks, and vegetables. This is a good way for friends and family to get together during the holidays off from work.
Parades and Concerts
There are always a number of concerts and parades which take place around the country on Independence Day. Some of the songs played at concerts include “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and “America, the Beautiful.”
Travel
For Americans who love to travel, the Independence Day weekend is a perfect time to do it. With having a long weekend, more time can be enjoyed at the destination than on the road. Typically, some of the most popular destinations include water parks, state and national parks, beaches, and the mountains. The United States is a naturally diverse country, with impressive landscapes in almost every state. The national park system is one of the great contributions that the US gave to the rest of the world, and these original national parks can be visited during the Fourth of July weekend.
Official paid holiday
Since 1938, the Fourth of July has been an official paid holiday for government officials. This gives Independence Day a special place on the calendar of the United States, as there are only a limited number of paid holidays on the calendar. It is likely that this day will never disappear from the American calendar.
While those who enjoy this day may not fully realize this, there is a long history of celebrations for Independence Day. Starting even during the Revolutionary War with England, Americans were setting up unique celebrations for this day. After the war, this day became a very special day used to unite the country in the midst of its quest to grow and prosper.
Fireworks, Parades & Hot Dogs – Unique 4th of July Celebrations in the United States
There are a number of special events which are unique to specific places in the USA. The longest running Fourth of July event started in 1785 and continues to this day in Bristol, Rhode Island. This New England state holds a very notable parade. On Coney Island, New York, there is an annual hot dog eating contest sponsored by Nathan’s hot dogs.
Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration Parade – 2024
More information: https://www.fourthofjulybristolri.com/
2024 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
More information: http://bostonpopsjuly4th.org
The 2024 Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, 2024
More information: https://nathansfranks.sfdbrands.com/en-us/promotions/hot-dog-eating-contest/
A Capitol Fourth 2024
More information: http://www.pbs.org
Independence Day, the Biggest Birthday Party in the USA
As a celebration of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence in 1776, Independence Day is recognized as a large birthday celebration for one of the world’s most influential countries.
Overall, this is a day of patriotism and pride for the United States. It is a large birthday celebration which all Americans can enjoy.
Positioned conveniently in the middle of summer vacation, the Fourth of July is a time where almost everyone has time to take off from work and reflect on the United States and its history. While much of the original events of the first July 4th have been lost over the years, the overreaching concept is still intact.
For Americans the 4th of July is a day full of national pride and celebrations. Let the fireworks begin!
Upcoming Dates for Independence Day
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Independence Day 2024 | Thursday, July 04, 2024 |
| Independence Day 2025 | Friday, July 04, 2025 |
| Independence Day 2026 | Saturday, July 04, 2026 |