4th of July is one of the most important dates in the US, and you really can tell why!
Independence Day, or 4th of July, is a federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Since this date, a tradition was created, and 4th of July celebrations are a must-do across the United States.
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This is the day that Americans celebrate their Independence from Great Britain by doing what they do best: fireworks, parades, barbecues, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, ceremonies, and everything fun you can think off, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the country.
Independence Day is such a big day, that it is considered as the National Day of the United States!
Some curiosities about it:
THE DECLARATION WASN’T SIGNED ON JULY 4
This date actually marks the adoption of the Declaration, not the signing of it.
4th of July is just the day the document was formally dated, finalized, and adopted by the Continental Congress, which had officially voted for independence on July 2.
This date actually marks the adoption of the Declaration, not the signing of it.
THE OLDEST ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION IS HELD IN BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND AND THE SHORTEST PARADE IS IN APTOS, CALIFORNIA
Billed as “America’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration,” the town of Bristol, Rhode Island, has been doing Independence Day right since 1785.
Over the years the whole thing has expanded well beyond July 4: the town of 23,000 residents now begins to celebrate the United States on Flag Day, June 14, all the way through to the 2.5-mile July 4 parade.
What began as a “patriotic exercise” has transformed into a cavalcade of parades, live music, food, and other activities.
The Fourth of July parade in Aptos, California, is just taking up two city blocks. This brief bit of patriotism features antique cars, decorated trucks, and plenty of walkers.
Afterward, there’s a Party in the Park, where folks can enjoy live music, food, and games.
THERE ARE AROUND 15,000 INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS EVERY YEAR
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, around 15,000 fireworks displays will take place for the Fourth of July holiday. Even if some aren’t exactly on July 4, they are used to this matter.
MASSACHUSETTS WAS THE FIRST STATE TO RECOGNIZE THE HOLIDAY
Massachusetts recognized the Fourth of July as an official holiday on July 3, 1781, only 5 years after independence was voted, making it the first state to do so.
It wasn’t until June 28, 1870 that Congress decided to start designating federal holidays, with the first four being New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This decreed that those days were holidays for federal employees.
However, there was a distinction. The Fourth was a holiday “within the District of Columbia” only. It would take years of new legislation to expand the holiday to all federal employees.
How to celebrate Independence Day across the US:
The Fourth of July is a truly special day to most Americans. Here are 6 of the best cities to celebrate this date, and we promise you that a visitor to any of these cities will have a grand time on America’s birthday.
New York
With this city, a visitor can do anything. Luckily, New York City residents are open-minded. When coming to the city for Fourth of July, one can enjoy a baseball game and fireworks in the evening. This is truly a perfect city to celebrate such an important holiday.
Miami
In this city, one can enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach. It is common to see revelers in their early 20s drinking and partying with retired people. A visitor who enjoys glitz and glamour will surely have fun in the South Beach.
Chicago
This city is perfect for the foodie or shopper. When visiting Chicago, one cannot be bored. In fact, many tourists who visit the city do not spend much time in their hotel room as they are busy all day. With major firework displays and a parade, everyone must consider heading to Chicago.
Las Vegas
Without a doubt, a patriotic American will love the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas on Fourth of July. Since Las Vegas is more popular during other holidays, a visitor should have an easy time getting a deal on a hotel room.
New Orleans
In reality, the party never stops in this exciting city. An individual seeking a nonstop party must consider buying a ticket to New Orleans. Not only can people drink while walking on the street, they can also enjoy the delicious food and relaxed atmosphere.
Memphis
In this city, people enjoy the barbecue and the eccentric residents. A person who does not mind the heat will love the ambience of this city. When walking down the street in Memphis, one will quickly realize how friendly residents are to outsiders. Without a doubt, when looking for unique Fourth of July experience, one must head to Memphis.
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Because an image worths more than 1000 words, you can take a look at the festivities on the following video:
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