The 4th of July is one of the nation’s biggest parties, with good reason! Each year we celebrate our country’s independence by going to parades, seeing fireworks, having cookouts, watching baseball, and so so much more! There might be nothing quite like the nationwide celebration in America, but other countries around the world have big celebrations to celebrate their own independence each year.

Mexico

People often assume that Mexico’s Cinco De Mayo celebration is their independence day, but that is not the case. In reality Mexican Independence Day falls every September 15th and is a celebration like few others found around the world. It is a day to show your patriotism and show how proud you are to be a Mexican citizen. The celebration’s center takes place in one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City. Each year hundreds of thousands gather in the town square in downtown Mexico City to celebrate their freedom. The night ends with a massive fireworks display and other ones take place across the country. Clearly, there is no better way to celebrate your country’s freedom than enjoying a patriotic fireworks display with your friends and family.

India

India has a unique independence celebration that takes place each year on August 15th. The patriotism is on full display from the start of the day all the way to the end. In the morning, Indians attend events where they sing the national anthem and other patriotic activities. There is an annual flag hoisting that takes place at Red Fort in New Dehli. It is broadcasted live on TV so the whole nation can watch. The Prime Minister gives a speech each year at this ceremony at Red Fort. One unique celebration on “15th of August” is kite flying. It is more of a celebration than a hobby in India and the 15th of August is one of the most popular days to fly a kite. India is the 2nd largest country in the world in terms of population and their independence day celebration does not disappoint.

France

In France, Independence Day takes place each year on July 14th which is the anniversary of the storming of Bastille. The main event of the day is the massive military parade that takes place on one of the biggest streets in Paris. It is a massive celebration and display of the military power of the French and has made military parades on Independence days a common practice around the world. Like most countries, it is common to end the day watching a fireworks display with friends and family.

South Korea

South Korea is a country that has not been independent for very long, which only adds to the need to celebrate. Ironically it happens on the same day as India’s independence day, August 15th. This was the day in 1945 when South Korea was officially free from the rule of Japan. The day is celebrated by showing your patriotism and enjoying the freedom the people now have. South Korea also had the unique idea to make all museums and historical sites free to the independence activists and any of their relatives. There is also the singing of the “Restoration of Light” song which has become a custom to many South Koreans. South Korea did not officially establish a government of their own until a few years after August 15th, 1945, but it is the day that they officially became liberated from the rule of Japan.

There are few things around the world celebrated more than a country’s independence day. The 4th of July is said to be the 4th biggest holiday in the United States behind only Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Halloween. Freedom is something that not everyone is lucky enough to have and the countries that are fortunate enough certainly celebrate accordingly.