INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE UNITED STATES
Compartir
ORIGIN OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Independence Day in the United States is a very important day, for this reason, MyHOSTpitality has decided to write today about this day. This way you will know the origin and celebration of this day. Of course, you will take this opportunity to learn Spanish.
The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4. On July 4, 1776, the United States formally signed the Declaration of Independence from the British Empire, so that day, the United States was born as a newly independent nation. The main author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson.
To carry out such independence, a war of eight years was needed, where they received help from Spain, France, and the Netherlands. It is celebrated as a federal holiday since 1941 and is considered the national day of the United States. This year, the 240th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is commemorated, also denominated as “The Birthday of America.”
The United States Declaration of Independence remains today as one of the most innovative and important texts of the contemporary history. In that statement two basic principles were reflected: freedom and equality. Although we can find other principles such as:
- The creator gives men rights such as life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
- When a form of government wants to destroy the principles, the people have the right to abolish it and form a new government, in order to secure their safety and happiness.
It is a festivity that is celebrated throughout the country, a very important day for all Americans, where they show their patriotism and feel proud of their country.
The celebration, in general, starts waving the flag, usually consists of outdoor activities such as parades, concerts, musical activities or baseball games. And to end this day, the big fireworks displays are never missing all over the country.
As this celebration is held at the beginning of summer, it is common that many Americans enjoy a few free days for this celebration, which is usually familiar. Families usually take the opportunity to display their flags, picnicking and their famous outdoor BBQs.
The parades are held in the morning and fireworks in the evening or at night. Military bases often perform at noon a “salute to the union,” a gun salute. The decoration of streets and buildings are usually in balloons, flags and clothes with the colours of the national flag (red, white and blue). Additionally, Americans usually hang on their balconies the national flag and attend the events with small flags.
Depending on the area where you reside the celebration may vary:
- In Boston, from the balcony of the Old State House, the Declaration of Independence is read and then a parade starts.
- In Texas, a “rodeo” is performed.
- In New York, thousands of visitors gather on the beach in Brooklyn, there you can find the biggest fireworks show in the country.
- Jazz festivals are typical in Kentucky
- It is also typical “The Waterfront Festival” of San Francisco, there are live entertainment shows, food stalls on the seafront, and fireworks shows.
- In Los Angeles, you can find the annual parade with bands and majorettes Americans and fireworks show.
- The place where those characteristic fireworks shows are more famous is on the island of Manhattan, in the main related monument today, the Statue of Liberty.
- Other characteristic places where these fires are triggered are Lake Michigan (Chicago), on Mount Rushmore, San Francisco Bay, or the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.
- In South Dakota, professionals perform a show dressed as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and . You can find music and children’s although do not expect fireworks.
- Other characteristic places where these fires are triggered are Lake Michigan (Chicago), on Mount Rushmore, San Francisco Bay, or the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.
- In South Dakota, professionals perform a show dressed as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. You can find music and children’s entertainers although do not expect fireworks.
How can you enjoy the Independence Day?
Although the Independence Day can be celebrated elsewhere, like in Madrid, the best way to learn and enjoy this party is going to one of those places where a “real” celebration is celebrated.
MyHOSTpitality gives you that opportunity. If you want to improve your English, find a host family and offer yourself as your guest!
You will offer them your language in exchange for free accommodation while you live a different experience and enjoy that great festival held every July 4 in the United States.
Do not hesitate and dive into this new adventure!
Some other posts you could find interesting are:
