From parades and fireworks to the inevitable barbecues, here’s everything you need to know about the biggest anniversary celebrated in the United States. We talk about the Independence Day of the United States: when it is, why it is celebrated and how it is celebrated.
Several are the important days in the United States. We have, for example, Memorial Day, which is the day dedicated to those who have fallen in combat or also the famous Thanksgiving, but if we are to think of a day that clearly identifies this nation, it is evident that it stands out above any other of Independence Day or Independence Day of which we offer you below, all the details.
Independence Day of the United States: when is it
The United States Independence Day It is a holiday that is celebrated every July 4, so that for this 2021 it will be celebrated this coming Sunday, although do you know why this day? If this is not the case and you want to discover it, we will explain it to you below.
Independence Day of the United States: why it is celebrated
The United States celebrates every July 4, the conquest of independence from Great Britain. After a long and bloody war, thirteen colonies managed to gain freedom, forming the starting point of what would become the United States of America. That is why for Americans in general this day represents in some way the authentic origin of their nation or the country as they know it today. A day full of tradition, celebration and also marked by two elements that are already traditional: fireworks and barbecues.
Independence Day in the United States is known in English as Independence Day, and as we say, it is considered the National holiday which particularly commemorates the adoption of the declaration of independence from Great Britain. With this document, signed on July 4, 1776, the detachment of the colonial homeland, with which the American states were at war, was sanctioned. However, history remembers that The legal separation of the American colonies actually occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve Richard Henry Lee’s proposed independence resolution. Two days later it was the turn of the Declaration of Independence proper, whose main author was Thomas Jefferson.
The first Independence Day was celebrated in 1777 sounding 13 pistol shots in the air, in honor of the original 13 colonies. Today the “Salute to the Union” takes place on military bases, where as many cannon shots are fired as current states. The 4th of July became a national holiday in 1870, but federal employees were not receiving any pay for that day at the time. Since 1938 it is a holiday that is considered “paid”, so although employees do not work in the country, the holiday is not deducted from their pay.
Independence Day of the United States: how it is celebrated
Independence Day is perhaps the day that we cannot find anyone in the United States who is not celebrating. Something similar to what happens with Thanksgiving, although we can say that the 4th of July is a day in which the family also gets together with friends.
Great protagonists of the day, in honor of the 13 shots that were fired in the first celebration of this day in 1777, they are the Fireworks, that draw large crowds. The most famous show is the one that takes place in the White House. But it is not the only one and in fact, the fireworks show at Macy’s in New York competes with it. In addition, in 2019, at the request of President Donald Trump, a military-style parade was also held that in 2020 and due to the pandemic was suspended and that in 2021 it will not be held either as announced by current President Joe Biden. , more focused now on the nation recovering (and getting vaccinated) against Covid-19.
In any case, Independence Day will once again be a great day of celebration for all and indeed a day in which politicians make solemn speeches that glorify the legacy of the fathers of the Nation, while citizens dedicate themselves to parties, shows and baseball or basketball games throughout the country, with patriotic symbols such as flags and there are even people who dress up and put on makeup with the colors of the american flag
Between the symbolic 4th Of July Traditions, one of the most picturesque refers to the neighborhood of Coney Island in New York. Its about hot Dog Eating Contest, which in 2021 reaches its 105th edition: the famous Nathan’s hot dog eating contest has two winners, a man and a woman. Until now, the record is held by Joey Chestnut, who managed to eat 72 hotdogs in 10 minutes.
July 4: typical dishes
Family gatherings on the 4th of July are almost always around a good barbecue. In fact, it’s not Independence Day without the embers that cook hamburgers and hot dogs. They also prepare steaks marinated in hot spices and served with barbecue sauce.
The grilled corn is another essential food, since the cob is served toasted with a little butter and salt just as it has always been cooked in the United States. Among the garnishes, dominate the beans and fries. A valid alternative to grilled products are the very popular Caesar salad, potato salad or creamy coleslaw, which are in fact the three types of salad that are most prepared and served on this day. And since the 4th of July is a holiday where patriotism is flaunted by all means, desserts become the ideal dish to do so, with strawberry and blueberry tarts (to combine the red and blue of the fruits with the white of the shortcrust pastry) as an alternative to the always traditional apple pie.