July 4 - Independence Day of the USA

The tradition of celebrating the United States Independence Daywas established already the next year after the signing of the Declaration. In Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), where the Declaration was signed, the first anniversary of independence was celebrated almost in the same way as it is celebrated today. There was held ceremonial dinner in honor of the Second Continental Congress, which approved the resolution of independence.

The celebration was accompanied by salutes of thirteen shots (in honor of thirteen American colonies,formed an independent state), parades and military reviews, performances, music, fireworks. The ships were decorated with white, blue and red sails.

However, the name "Independence Day" was firstwas used in 1791. Nearly one hundred years later, in 1870, Independence Day became an unpaid public holiday for federal employees, and from 1938 its status changed to paid federal holiday: most federal institutions (except for the most important ones) do not work on this day.

The US Independence Day, perhaps, can be called one of the most colorful and beloved people in the United States. On this day, the festive atmosphere, inherent in other festive days, is combined with patriotic feelings and pride for their country.

Usually Fourth of July celebrate in the open air. This is a family holiday, therefore it is acceptedget out on a picnic or barbecue with family and friends. And if on July 4 it falls on the weekend (Saturday or Sunday), Independence Day celebrations are postponed to Monday, and the Americans have an opportunity to spend a long weekend with their relatives.

Cities are decorated with ribbons, balls and otherornaments in the colors of the American flag - white, red, blue. White color symbolizes purity and innocence, red - valor and endurance, blue - vigilance, justice, zeal. The same colors are used to serve the festive table, and some housewives even bake the biscuits and paint it with a multicolored glaze in the colors of the national flag. Many residents are hanging national flags on their homes.

Usually in the morning on the streets of cities parades are held. Parade of Independence Day, the most important event of the holiday, takes place in Washington at noon. Also in every state a salute is produced from the first gun - the so-called "Salute of unity". At noon on July 4, a shot is fired at any military base, where artillery is in working order. In the cities there are concerts, patriotic performances and other events.

In the evening in parks, on city or yazmorochnyh areas fireworks are arranged, often accompanied by patriotic songs. "Official" fireworks have the form of public shows, and some other Americans organize a show with fireworks at their own expense (in those states where it is not prohibited for security reasons).

In many states and cities, there are local traditions of celebrating Independence Day. In NYC on this day there is a famous fireworks show, organized by the network of Macy's department stores, previously it was conducted near the East River Strait, and in 2009 it was transferred to the Hudson River. In Boston the local orchestra arranges "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" (musical show with fireworks) at the Charles River.

In the US capital, Washington, free concert "A Capitol Fourth" is being heldright on the lawn near the Capitol (the building of the Congress). Every year this event attracts more than half a million viewers. And in the National Archives, where the original of the Declaration of Independence is stored, the actors dressed in 18th-century clothes perform and loudly read the text of the Declaration.

If the US Independence Day falls on the middle of the week, some celebrations and fireworks for convenience can be postponed for the weekend, but The official ceremony is always held on the fourth of July. This day always remains one of the most joyful and solemn days of the year for every US citizen.