Happy 4th of July - Independence Day!
Get the grill ready, grab the delicious food, invite friends and family, and be prepared for the annual celebration!
Independence Day is approaching. Many might refer to the Movie "Independence Day" with Will Smith when speaking of it. However, in this article, Slots Capital Casino touches base on the federal holiday.
Independence Day, better known as the Fourth of July, is the most important holiday in the United States. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Nowadays, fireworks displays, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, and other ceremonies are held across the country (and even worldwide) to celebrate the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Independence Day in 2024
In 2024, the holiday falls on a Thursday. Chances are high that some people take off Friday to enjoy a four-day super-extended weekend. While the official day of independence was in 1775, the 4th of July has actually been a federal holiday since 1941. Celebrations on this day, though, date back to the 18th century after Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.
A Historical Day
The American Revolution broke out on April 1775. Although not all colonists initially supported it, it became increasingly powerful within one year. By the middle of 1776, thanks to growing hostilities against the British and the spread of an American revolutionary spirit, many more colonists favored independence.
Some, like the second president of the United States, John Adams, believe that July 2nd should be the correct date to celebrate America’s independence. He would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events as a form of protest. Ironically, Adams died on July 4, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of adopting the Declaration of Independence.
Adams had a point, though: On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence, but it was not until July 4th that the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was written by Thomas Jefferson—thus becoming the day that celebrated the birth of American Independence.
13 Colonies
The Declaration of Independence explained why the Thirteen Colonies at war with the British Kingdom considered themselves free from British rule. After the Independence, the Thirteen Colonies became the first states of the newly formed United States of America: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. As a reminder of the 13 origin states, the flag of America has 13 stripes in red and white.
Within 150 years, The Thirteen Colonies grew from around 2000 people to 2.4 million between 1625 and 1775. They had a level of self-governance and even local elections, resisting the British Empire’s demand for more control over them. A decline in their relations with the British led to the American Revolution, in which colonies worked together to fight the American Revolutionary War.
Early Celebrations
Early Fourth of July celebrations were actually adopted from pre-Revolution years, when colonists held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday that included the ringing of bells, bonfires, and processions. Once independence was made official, concerts, parades, and the firing of cannons marked the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
To lift soldiers' spirits and patriotic sentiment, George Washington issued double rations of rum to mark the first anniversary of independence in 1778. Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.
Bring On the Fireworks!
If there’s one thing people worldwide think of whenever the date is mentioned, fireworks. However, the first fireworks were not used in America; they were actually used as early as 200 BC in China. They would roast bamboo there, which explodes with a bang when heated. Centuries later, Chinese alchemists would mix saltpeter, charcoal, sulfur, and other ingredients for the marvelous form of entertainment that we know today.
Fourth of July Traditions
4th of July is nowadays a federal holiday, which means all non-essential federal institutions are closed on that day, and pretty much every person in the country joins in the celebration of the nation’s heritage, history, and customs - or just take the day off from everything!
Millions of families enjoy several outdoor activities on that day, such as attending a picnic or a barbecue and gathering with friends or relatives. Houses and cities are usually decorated in red, white, and blue (just like the American flag), and parades often occur in the mornings.
In the evening, massive fireworks light up the night sky in open spaces such as parks, fairgrounds, town squares, and even within neighborhoods. Fireworks are often followed by patriotic songs such as the national anthem and other local songs.
Biggest Celebrations Of Fourth of July Day
Boston: No city celebrates Independence Day like Boston, where it’s called Harborfest. Celebrations there last a week and attract around 3 million visitors every year! Parades, harbor cruises, and live music are on the agenda.
Philadelphia: Philadelphia also holds weeklong celebrations with free events like concerts, outdoor movies, parades, and, of course, lots of fireworks!
New York: Perhaps the biggest celebration of the bunch, New York attracts millions of people celebrating from the city’s rivers, parks, and rooftops. They host the largest show in the country: The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.
Washington, D.C.: The country’s capital shows patriotic devotion with parades featuring military personnel marching and rolling along ten blocks of Constitution Avenue. Additionally, flyovers and even a speech by the President of the United States himself are experienced.
Los Angeles: The biggest city in California holds beach parties, picnics, and live performances all along the city's streets. There are also free fireworks in downtown L.A. and a parade in Pacific Palisades.
New Orleans: NOLA’s musical DNA is shown at Louis Armstrong Park. It is filled with a live Fourth of July concert, a New Orleans-style parade, and other activities across the city for people of all ages.
Fourth of July Celebration with Traditional Dishes
Hot dogs: An actual organization called 'The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council' declared July National Hot Dog Month. On July 4, more than 150 million hot dogs are eaten nationwide yearly. But not only sausages are eaten on this day:
Barbecues are arguably the most famous Fourth of July food tradition. Over 74 million Americans enjoy spending time outdoors with their family around the grill.
Corn on the cob: While technically part of the barbecue, corn on the cob has become a staple in American traditional cuisine. Corn is the most abundant and cultivated grain in the United States and was eaten by Native Americans even before the British set foot in America.
Pie: Pies filled with fresh summer fruits, like apples and cherries, have become a 4th of July food tradition. They were brought to America by the first English colonists and were initially made of meat - it was in the US that the tradition of eating them as desserts started.
Is the 4th of July Celebrated All Over the World?
People around the world also love to celebrate the 4th of July together with their families, especially among American communities abroad.
For example, Norway claims to host the biggest American Independence Day celebrations in Europe, with live music, barbecues, baseball, and cheerleading in its capital city, Oslo.
In Sydney, Australia, the 4th of July celebrations are considered the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Thousands of expats celebrate with barbecues, live music, free American whiskey and beer tasting, trivia competitions, and other games.
In the Philippines, millions take to the streets to celebrate independence—but actually to celebrate their own independence from the United States. Coincidentally, people in the Philippines also marked July 4 as the day they broke away from their former colonizer.
How Do You Celebrate Independence Day in 2024?
Go out and enjoy the fireworks, the parades, the delicious food, and the Fourth of July party! If you are still deciding if you should attend a big event, host your own little backyard party with your friends and your family. Some suggestions of what you can include:
-
Backyard barbecue: The good news is that the American dish for this holiday can still be prepared at home. So prepare some hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, or grilled veggies, and get ready to eat!
-
Backyard water party: While the grown-ups enjoy a barbecue and a cold beer, the little ones can enjoy the sunshine in an inflatable pool. Hitting two birds with one stone, combining outdoor fun in the garden at home!
-
Sparklers: If you have kids, sparklers are a great way to bring them the excitement of fireworks indoors, making sure they take all the safety precautions and are attended to by an adult.
-
Bake sweet treats: Classic red, white, and blue cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies with a patriotic theme can be baked at home. Together, you can celebrate this important day with family members!
Spinning The Reels At Slots Capital
If you need a little break, you can join the virtual celebrations with fantastic bonuses to light up your gameplay like the July fireworks in the night sky!
With casino slots like Party Parrot, Quarterback or the Happy Fourth of July slot, the celebrations are only starting! We have many slots you can select and play for a little spontaneous celebration in the casino lobby! Perfect for sitting down and relaxing after a real-life party.
