The U.S. celebrates July 4, but independence from Britain is marked around the globe. Here’s a look at how and when different countries celebrate.

On July 4, the United States celebrates its independence from Britain with displays of fireworks, barbeques, buying — and for an estimated 70 million citizens this year, travel. 

The United States’ celebration is held on the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But America is not the solely nation that celebrates independence from Britain. Much of the international inhabitants —  around one-fifth of the world, according to Guinness World Records — have been topics of Great Britain previous to 1914. 

Some countries do not have a good time their independence from the United Kingdom, but as an alternative dedicate a day to celebrating their formation. Others have a good time equally to the United States, on the day the nation both declared or formally gained independence from the United Kingdom. 

Here’s when and how a number of former British colonies have a good time their freedoms.

Kite flying on India’s Independence Day

India celebrates its independence on August 15, marking the finish of 200 years of British rule in 1947 — when the Indian Independence Act separated British India into India and Pakistan — and its ascendence to changing into the world’s largest democracy. 

The prime minister begins the day by elevating the nation’s flag at the Red Fort in Old Delhi, marking the anniversary of the first time the trendy flag was formally hoisted in the nation. 

Following the flag-raising, there is a parade — but most households have a good time the day by flying kites. Indians used to fly kites as a type of protest. In 1927, slogans were written on kites deriding the Simon Commission, a group appointed by the British Conservative Government to report on the workings of the fledging Indian structure. Since then, kites have been seen as an integral a part of protest — and subsequent freedom.

As Independence Day is one in every of three main nationwide holidays, many individuals have the day without work and collect on streets, seashores and different areas to fly kites of assorted colours. 

Bahamas celebrates independence with Junkanoo 

Independence Day in the Bahamas is celebrated annually on July 10. After 300 years of British rule, the Bahamas grew to become a totally unbiased nation in 1973. 

Bahamians begin their celebrations 8 to 10 days earlier than July 10, marking the momentous event with quite a few cultural actions and occasions. Its most famed celebration is Junkanoo, a vibrant Bahamian avenue parade with music, dancing and elaborate costumes.

Although the precise origins of Junkanoo are unknown, a in style perception is that the traditions advanced from the days of slavery and now symbolize the Bahamian tradition, in keeping with the Bahamas.com. There is additionally a Junkanoo parade on Boxing Day, which takes place the day after Christmas. 

Australia’s independence marks the arrival of convicts

Australians have a good time Australia Day yearly on January 26. The day is not tied to independence from Britain — but as an alternative, marks the day that the first convict ships arrived from the United Kingdom. 

It’s the Commonwealth’s solely public vacation celebrating the date of bodily colonization, slightly than the date of the nation’s independence or one other vital day.

Many Australians have a good time the summer season vacation with barbeques. Australians additionally honor the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, who inhabited the land for 65,000 years, according to Australia Day Council.

It is additionally a day when many new residents are minted — the nation added over 22,000 new Australians in 2024, according to the Australian Ministry for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs.