Independence Day ‘Round the World – How Do Other Countries Celebrate Their Independence? (PHOTOS)
Independence Day is here, and what better reason to celebrate! Get together with some loved ones in honor of our country’s day of emancipation.
Thanks Will for liberating us for our alien overlords.
Nothing says Fourth of July like parades, fireworks, bbqs, and carnivals. We know how we do things here, but what are other countries up to? We took a gander ’round the world to see how folks party elsewhere.
Mexico – Sept 15: Our friends south of the border
Get your dance on, Mexico.
Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain with the ringing of the famous liberty bell. This country achieved their freedom in 1810 after a grueling war with Spain. What would a celebration be without bullfights, rodeos, parades, some much needed dancing, and delicious Mexican cuisine?
Can’t get enough of the two step.
Peru – July 28 & 29: Heading farther south
Fiestas Patrias in Peru
Canons sound as the Peruvian flags rise on July 28. Folk and Creole music play throughout public squares. Their three-day festivities are brimming with vibrant colours and tasty food. Cockfighting, bullfighting, and Peruvian paso horse exhibits mark this awesome day.
Australia – Jan 26: Our buddies down under
A Simbu boy all dressed up for Aussie Independence Day. Adorbz.
If you head down under in January, be ready for Aussie’s day of independence. They love the water and sweet races. Ferry races, surfing races, and tall ships races are only a few of the events. And they launch fireworks from all sorts of places: bridges, boats, and skyscrapers.
India - Aug 15 - Heading East
Synchronized flag waving in India
If you look up into the sky mid-August, you’ll see an endless array of flying kits. India’s popular independence day tradition involves these colorful creations, where competitors try their darndest to take other kites out.
Our main man and cool cat, Mahatma Gandhi.
Indonesia – Aug 17: Trekking to Southeast Asia
Indonesian girls raise ‘ondel-ondel’ masks during a sweet parade.
It’s all about games in Indonesia. Citizens commemorate their day of independence by competing in lots of contests: shrimp chip eating contest anyone? How about a sack race (or balap karung), and palm tree climbing (panjat pinang). First one up the greased tree, gets a prize hanging from its boughs (like bikes or TVs)!
So when you’re enjoying a well bbq’ed hot dog, watching fireworks, or just chilling out with family members, remember–freedom is pretty darn sweet. Happy Fourth of July!
Light it up! It’s the Fourth of July, folks!
