4th of July Events & Traditions (cont'd.)
... includes traditions such as fireworks, parades, picnics, barbecues, beer, baseball, outdoor parties, public and private events paying tribute to the nation. Due to the fact that the celebration is in the summer, most of the events and entertainment takes place outdoors.
Fireworks are perhaps the most popular event for the 4th of July. Fireworks have been connected with the 4th of July since 1777. Firework shows are held in many states, and numerous fireworks are sold for personal use or as a substitute to a public show. Fireworks are frequently escorted by music and singing of patriotic songs like the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes Forever, God Bless America, America the Beautiful, Tis of Thee, This Land Is Your Land and My Country, to name a few.
Fireworks events in the United States usually have a grand finale, which consists of a cascade of fireworks that is briskly launched almost at the same time. Major shows are kept in New York and Boston harbours and also at the National Mall in Washington DC. Detroit and Michigan also have vast fireworks displays. Safety concerns have however caused some states to prohibit fireworks or at least limit the types and sizes that are permitted. In spite of limitations, the Americans have still found ways to commemorate their independence with festivities such as parades, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, as well as illuminations.
Families regularly celebrate Independence Day by hosting or going to picnics or barbecues and take advantage of the American holiday by using it as an opportunity to spend quality time with relatives and friends. Barbecues as well as picnics have become a 4th of July tradition for two main reasons. The first reason is because summer is the perfect time to spend outdoors. The other reason is mainly because having picnics and barbecues are a simple way to entertain a large quantity of guests.
Public events are usually held in most cities in the America on Independence Day which includes state politicians making appearances and giving patriotic speeches. Other public events include 4th of July parades which are mostly kept in the morning with floats decorated in the American colours of red, white and blue. Baseball, football, frisbee and beach games, as well as other outdoor activities are also very popular. Usually there are a number of activities for children to take part in such as face painting, carnivals and fairs.
Independence Day brings about a patriotic presence that is seen and felt everywhere you go. By tradition persons decorate their homes with flags, buntings and streamers in red, white and blue, which symbolize the colours of the flag. On the 4th of July, even the outfits worn by individuals replicate the colours and designs of the American flag.
The 4th of July is perhaps the most American of all their holidays because it symbolizes the commencement of the nation. Independence Day has become an important occasion where Americans are able to truly express their freedom.
