Celebrate July 4th with fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays. Discover the history and traditions that make Independence Day special in the United States. Learn why Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4, including the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the holiday's historical and modern traditions. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776). Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. America celebrates its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. When Trump took office, he signed an executive order to create a task force for America250, a year-long celebration of the country's birthday. Americans celebrate July 4th, also known as Independence Day, to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on the same date in 1776. This historic document declared the Fireworks, flags, parades – on July 4th, the United States celebrates its birthday. Learn everything you need to know about America's Independence Day, from the origins to beloved traditions and 2024 highlights. Painting portraying the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Library of Congress The Torch of Freedom "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion What is the 4th of July? More than just a day off in the U.S., it's a day of celebration. Use this guide to brush up on July 4th history. Independence Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated annually on July 4. It is often called the Fourth of July. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This event announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. Every July 4, Americans celebrate their independence with festivities that showcase both national pride and local culture. Is there a 'No Kings 2.0' protest July 4? What is 'No Kings 2.0'? Yes. There are "No Kings 2.0" events and other parades being held on July 4 in the U.S. An event page created by a local Now, a fresh round of protests are set to take place on July 4, America’s Independence Day. Here’s what we know about the planned action. Women’s March organizes “Free America Weekend” Americans across all 50 states are prepping for the Fourth of July and, of course, the rousing celebrations that come with it. Booming fireworks, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbeques have Free America is whatever we make it. Host or join a July 4th Free America action—rallies, BBQs, marches, art builds, community block parties, and more to celebrate real freedom." From 'Free America' protests to rallies against Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' here's what protests are happening July 4th in New Jersey. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States. July 4th, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most celebrated dates in American history. It marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation. However, the significance of July 4th extends beyond the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |