Independence Day 2026

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 and is often known as the Fourth of July. It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776.

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Independence Day Celebrations

Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities, and tug-of-war games.

The American flag is often placed outside homes and buildings on July 4th, and communities arrange fireworks after dark. The most impressive firework displays are shown on television. Big cities like New York and Washington, D.C. often organize parades and other large public events on the 4th of July.

Some employees use one or more vacation days to create a long weekend to escape to their favorite beach or vacation spot.

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American Day

Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the United States. Politicians appear at public events to show their support for their country’s history, heritage, and people.

Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today’s Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument associated with Independence Day.

Is Independence Day a Public Holiday?

This is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day.

Fourth of July

Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well.

In some years, many employees use a portion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations.

There are many public events, parades, shows, and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.

The History of Independence Day

In 1775, people in the thirteen colonies began fighting the British under King George III for their own independence. On July 2, 1776, Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.

In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them.

The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminationst” throughout the United States. However, the term “Independence Day” was not used until 1791.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826—exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration.

It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country, and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.