When the World Celebrates Independence Days

Americans celebrate 4th of July Independence Day with fireworks, barbecues, parades, and concerts, decorating everything in red, white and blue. The holiday marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, and signifies the hard won freedom that makes quintessential America. Likewise, patriotic traditions around the world indicate significant spirits of different countries, with intriguing historic stories behind.

Canada Day, July 1st

Canadians use red and white maple-leaf flag colors to decorate parades, carnivals, picnics, while fireworks and Snowbirds (military planes demonstrating aerobatics) highlight celebratory acts.

France, July 14th Bastille Day France commemorates July 14th the Bastille Day when, in 1789, Parisians broke into the Bastille fortress to release prisoners and catalyzed the French Revolution that ended the country’s tyrannical oppression. A military parade on the Champs Elysees starts the celebration of this significant holiday; fireworks over the Eiffel Tower are also lined up with parties, galas and good times.

Indonesia, August 17th

Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945 and fought for its freedom with the Netherlands until 1949. Panjat pinang is the celebratory game that demonstrates Indonesian determination. During this game, oiled-up tall nut trees carry buckets of prizes at the top, and young men work together, using each other’s bodies as step stools, to clamber to the top to retrieve the prizes.

Cambodia, November 9

In 1887, Cambodia was made part of the unified colony of French Indochina, until World War II, when the country fell under Japanese control. It was returned to France after the war, and then finally gained its independence on November 9, 1953. Cambodians celebrate their freedom with parades, cultural events and fireworks.

India, August 15th East Indians celebrate the ending of 200 years of British colonial rule in 1947 by flying kites that carry images of the Indian flag.

South Korea, August 15th Gwangbokjeol (literally “Restoration of Light Day”) is the name of the South Korean independence day. On this day, special prison pardons are given to commemorate the freedom spirit.

South Africa, April 27

South Africa declared its independence from Britain on May 31, 1910, and celebrates April 27th as "Freedom Day." On April 27, 1994, the first democratic, non-racial elections were held and Nelson Mandela was voted president. This day marks the end of colonialism and apartheid, and is celebrated with parties, inspirational speeches, and braais (barbecues).

Mexico, September 15 - 16

Mexicans take to the streets to memorialize the Grito de Dolores, the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence with Spain, won in 1810. From the 15th to the 16th, parades, food, concerts, and fireworks last for two days.

Peru, July 28 and 29

Peruvians toast to freedom with a classic national drink Pisco Sour. Cannon salutes and parades along with colorful costumes, drum beats commemorate the date when Jose de San Martin proclaimed Peru's independence from Spain in 1821. July 29 serves as a day to honor the Armed Forces and National Police.

Of the 196 countries in the world,

. Eastern European countries had long struggles with Russia, Central/South Americans with Spain, and Asians or Africans with British, Dutch, Japanese or other colonial powers. Independence days are often attained in hard fought battles to claim freedom, whereas some national holidays commemorate a significant day in the history of the country, or the birth of a national hero who helped establish the country's independence. They symbolize major historic development and progress of national histories -- certainly noteworthy.

举世庆祝独立日

美国人放烟火，烤肉，举行游行和音乐会来庆祝7月4日独立国庆日，并以国旗之红白蓝颜色装饰周遭一切事物。这一假期标志着1776年7月4日签署“独立宣言”之重大时日，实是美国精神象征。同样地，世界各国的传统也表明了不同国家的重要精神，背后隐藏着有趣的历史故事。 7月1日为加拿大日 加拿大人使用红白的枫叶旗帜颜色来装饰游行庆祝及野餐各项活动，而烟花和雪鸟（展示特技飞行的军用飞机）则为极致的庆典。 法国的7月14巴士底日 法国纪念7月14日巴士底日 -- 1789年，巴黎人闯入巴士底狱，释放囚犯并催化法国大革命，结束了该国统治阶层的暴虐压迫。香榭丽舍大街上的阅兵式开启庆祝活动;艾菲尔铁塔上空的烟花也伴随着派对，庆典和美好时光。 印尼国庆日为8月17日 印度尼西亚于1945年宣布独立，直到1949年方才战胜荷兰而赢得独立。.Panjat pinang是展示印尼人决心的庆祝游戏。在这游戏比赛中，油滑高大的坚果树梢带有各种奖品，年轻人一起工作，使用彼此的身体作为阶梯凳子，攀爬到顶部以取回奖品。 柬埔寨国庆日为11月9日 1887年，柬埔寨成为法属印度支那统一殖民地的一部分。第二次世界大战，该国受日本人控制，战争结束后则又返回法国，最终于1953年11月9日获得独立。柬埔寨人通过游行，文化活动和烟火来庆祝自由。 印度国庆日为8月15日 1947年，印度结束英国200年的殖民统治。在独立日当天放送带有印度国旗图像的风筝来庆祝这个重大的节日。 韩国国庆日为8月15日 Gwangbokjeol（字面意思是“恢复光明日”）是韩国独立日的名称。在这一天，特别赦免是为了纪念自由精神。 南非国庆日为4月27日 南非于1910年5月31日宣布独立，脱离英国统治，但庆祝4月27日为“自由日”。 1994年4月27日，南非举行了第一次民主/非种族分离的选举，纳尔逊曼德拉被选为总统。这一天标志着殖民主义和种族隔离的结束，南非人以派对，鼓舞人心的演讲和braais（烤肉活动）来庆祝自由日。 墨西哥国庆为9月15日至16日 墨西哥人上街庆祝Grito de Dolores墨西哥独立战争之呐喊，与西班牙之战结束于1810年。从15日到16日，游行，盛宴，音乐会和烟火持续两天的时间。 秘鲁国庆日为7月28日和29日 秘鲁人用经典的国家饮料Pisco Sour为自由干杯。 大炮致敬和游行以及色彩缤纷的服装，皆用以纪念何塞德圣马丁宣称秘鲁于1821年从西班牙独立的日期。7月29日是纪念武装部队和国家警察的日子。

在世界的196个国家中，其中90％的国家在1800年后方才独立。东欧国家长期与俄罗斯争斗，中南美洲国家与西班牙争斗，亚洲和非洲国家则与英国荷兰日本或其他殖民国家争斗。 独立国庆日通常是一个国家在争取自由的艰苦战斗中获得自由之纪念日，而有些国家则纪念该国历史上的重要日子，或者是庆祝帮助建立国家独立的民族英雄的诞生。 独立国庆日象征着重要的历史发展和国家的进步 -- 当然值得注意。