United States Independence Day
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- 1776Declaration of Independence adopted
- 1783Independence recognised by Treaty of Paris
- 1870Independence Day became a federal holiday
The story behind the day
The United States celebrates Independence Day on 4 July, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The date represents the colonies' political break from Britain and the founding claim of the United States.
The holiday developed into the country's largest civic summer celebration, mixing public ceremony with local recreation. Readings of the Declaration, parades and fireworks have been part of the tradition since the early republic.
Today the Fourth of July means flags, barbecues, small-town parades, concerts, baseball, beach trips and evening fireworks. Washington, D.C. has the national stage, but the holiday is just as strongly local.
- 20264 July 2026 · Saturday
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The U.S. flag has thirteen stripes for the original colonies and fifty stars for the states. The design makes federal union visible, and the flag is the dominant symbol of Independence Day.
The Fourth of July is America's great summer cookout — grilled meats, cold drinks and outdoor eating from Maine to California.
What to eat
Hot dogsGrilled franks in soft buns with mustard and ketchup — the quintessential July 4th food, eaten at every backyard party.
HamburgersBeef patties grilled over charcoal — stacked with cheese, lettuce and pickles, the American cookout centrepiece.
BBQ ribsSlow-smoked pork ribs with regional dry rubs or sweet sticky sauce — from Kansas City to Texas styles.
Potato saladCreamy mayo-dressed potato salad with celery and mustard — the essential American cookout side dish.
Corn on the cobGrilled sweet corn brushed with butter and salt — a summer staple at outdoor Independence Day gatherings.
Apple pieThe American dessert icon — flaky pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, served with vanilla ice cream.What to drink
LemonadeFresh-squeezed lemonade — the definitive American summer drink, sold at roadside stands and backyard parties.
BeerAmerican lager — Budweiser, Coors and a booming craft beer scene, consumed cold at outdoor cookouts.
Iced teaSweet iced tea — especially beloved in the South, drunk by the pitcher at family gatherings.Culture on National Day
America's Independence Day has an intensely local character — each town does it slightly differently, but fireworks, parades and grilled food appear everywhere.
FireworksSpectacular July 4th fireworks displays in every city — New York, Washington DC and Boston draw the largest crowds.
Fourth of July paradeSmall-town parades with marching bands, fire trucks and floats — a defining image of American community life.
Declaration of IndependencePublic readings of the 1776 document take place at ceremonies across the country on Independence Day.
Boston Pops concertThe Boston Symphony Orchestra's outdoor concert on the Charles River Esplanade — broadcast nationally and ending with fireworks.