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July Fourth is a big deal for America. All around the country, there are barbecues, parades, firework displays, and parties to celebrate the unity of the country that is America. We all know how this story goes...The Declaration of Independence was signed and ratified on July 4th, 1776 not long after the American Revolution, which signified our independence from Britain. Yeah, it's a pretty big deal.
But have you ever wondered the untold stories of how other countries gained their independence? Check out 13 other countries, in honor of the 4th, and how they celebrate their liberation.
13. India - August 15, 1947
August 15, 1947 symbolizes liberation from Britain's three-century reign. To celebrate, billions of people embellish buildings with lights the colors of the Indian flag, and attend ceremonies in the morning of that day were there is a performance of the national anthem and the raising of the flag. People then fly kites, which symbolizes being free. Thousands of colorful kites dot the sky, and then they top it all off with a picnic.
12. Ghana - March 6, 1957
The day that Ghana became independent from Britain, it became the first Africa country to do so. Their celebrations are extravagant: fireworks, parades, and dancing. What's not to love. To top it all of, since Ghana is a coastal region, they celebrate on the beach with traditional music and singing. Sounds nice to me. In the photo, the Ghanaian president is lighting the perpetual flame.
11. Mexico - September 16, 1810
That's right, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence day. Actually, Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of kicking France out of their country. Their real Independence Day comes in September, when they finally got from under Spanish rule. All around the country, there are parades, fireworks, and parties going on. Sounds like a blast!
10. Malaysia - August 31, 1957
Another colony under British rule, Malaysia wanted freedom soon after World War II. Due to the threat of communist takeover, Britain held on to Malaysia out of fear, and only after the defeat of communism was when they were willing to let it go. Their independence day is called Hari Merdeka
and usually involves a different theme each year, and different things take place. Last year, people showed their patriotism by raising the flag on their houses, vehicles and buildings. Usually kids leave school early so they can practice for performances and parades and such. Malays take their independence seriously. Merdeka!
9. Pakistan - August 14, 1947
Pakistan used to be a a part of India up until the day leading up to their independence. Due to the desire to create an independent Islamic state, Pakistan declared it's independence from India after a long movement. The main ceremony takes place in the city of Islamabad at dawn, where the flag is hoisted upon government buildings. Then, there is a singing of the national anthem, which is usually shown live on television. The rest of the day includes parades, parties, and other events. People usually put the flags on cars and buildings.
8. Bangladesh - March 26, 1971
The small country used to be East Pakistan until a war was ignited that caused Pakistan to surrender. Their celebration is much like ours: concerts, speeches, and public and private ceremonies to celebrate their liberation. Pretty chill overall.
Orrrrrr...maybe not.
7. Poland - November 11, 1918
For 123 long years, Poland was fought over by the Russian Empire, Prussia, and Austria. Towards the end of World War I, the territory was reestablished as a sovereign country. During their celebration, or Narodowe ลwiฤto Niepodlegลoลci, parades and get-togethers are held all throughout Poland, the biggest being at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw. Guards are also changed near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the capital city. Churches also celebrate Independence Day with a special ceremony. The Race of Independence, another special ceremony, also takes place, attracting people throughout the Polish countryside.
6. Philippines - June 12, 1898
Araw ng Kalayaan, or "Day of Freedom" marks the day that the chain of islands declare their Independence from Spain after 300 years of being under their power. However, it wasn't passed as an official holiday until 1964, due to being under American rule for a couple more decades. To celebrate this refreshing victory, the entire nation takes a day off. Then there is a speech by the president and then the 21-gun salute takes place. This parade looks so much fun!
5. Cambodia - November 9, 1953
Cambodia has had a long history of being dominated. In the 8th century it was ruled in the Ankorian era. By the 15th century it was controlled by the Spanish and Portuguese. Then in 1863, it was taken and France was in power. It would take 100 years or so to gain independence, and that happened in 1953. Cambodians celebrate their independence with fireworks, festivals, and ceremonies all across the country. The main celebrations are held in Phnom Penh beginning with a formal ceremony at the Independence Monument, which is situated at the junction of the Preah Norodom and Preah Sihanouk Boulevards. This is then followed by the gala parade at the Royal Palace. Then balloons are released into the sky, like in this picture above.
4. Indonesia - August 17, 1945
Despite becoming independent from the Netherlands in 1945, it wasn't until 2005 that they declared August 17 the day to accept as the national holiday. To celebrate, children take off school and prepare vigorously for performances. Parades, art festivals, community gatherings, and athletic events involving the young and old take place all around the archipelago. One weird tradition used to celebrate is climbing a pinang tree to eat the crackers or fruit hanging from the tree to win a prize. Sounds awesome.
3. Ukraine - August 24, 1991
One of the more recent countries on this list. Ukraine had finally become free of Russian control in 1991 after the long fight that dragged on for years. Since Ukrainian independence is a big deal within the country, most offices, schools, and businesses remain closed. Then things like concerts, circuses, outdoor exhibits, and more take place, some lasting to the very next day.
2. Tunisia - March 20, 1956
Tunisia has been under French protectorate for almost a century. The country declared itself a bankrupt in 1869 and international financial commission took control over its economy. In 1881 France invaded Tunisia with an army of about 36,000 soldiers and forced the bey Muhammed as-Sadiq to accept its terms. Tunisia gained independence on March 20, 1956 after long negotiations between French and Tunisian authorities. It has only really became a big deal to them in 2011 after the Tunisia Revolution. To celebrate, many festivals and ceremonies take place throughout the country.
1. France - July 14, 1789
If you may have noticed, France's Revolutionary War started not long after America's independence was gained. The French National Day, or Bastille Day, commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, an event in Paris that had triggered a violent revolution two days after. It also celebrates Fรชte de la Fรฉdรฉration , which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. Many large-scale public celebrations are held, including a military parade in Paris, as well as communal meals, dances, parties and fireworks.
What was your favorite celebration? Were you apart of any of these celebrations?
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