In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July" or "July Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.
Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-theme events, Fourth of July celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, society and people. Speeches and editorials may invoke American Revolutionary themes such as the founding fathers (including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Washington), the Constitution, the Liberty Bell, and democratic principles such as liberty, freedom, equality under the law, inalienable rights, and representative government.
Families often mark the Fourth of July with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the long weekend or off-day to gather with relatives. Decorations generally are colored red, white, and blue due to the colors of the American Flag. Because Independence Day is in the summer, bathing suits have once in a while been given the American flag design. Parades are often held in the morning, baseball games played (July 4th being nearly halfway into the baseball season), and fireworks displays in public parks in the evening. Other traditions include face painting for children and tossing of a football or frisbee.
