This month we celebrate July 4^th, otherwise known as Independence Day. This is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, signifyinh the United States gaining its independence from Great Britain. While July 4^th is an important day for the United States, other countries around the world celebrate their own independence in many unique ways. Different celebrations take place throughout the year to commemorate important milestones for various countries around the world.

Global Perspective

Another country that gained its independence on July 4^th is Rwanda. Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium on July 1^st, 1962. With that being said, Independence Day is often celebrated alongside Liberation Day on July 4^th, which commemorates that end of the Rwanda genocide. It’s a holiday dedicated to celebrating independence and unity throughout the country.

Another Independence Day to make note of is Cambodia. Cambodia celebrates Independence Day on July 9^th after gaining independence from France. People across the country come together to celebrate their freedom with joyful and lively celebrations. One thing that sets Cambodia apart in their Independence Day celebrations is the live broadcasting from the Independence Monument. Streets surrounding the monument are closed and celebrations lasting all day occur and are broadcasted across radio and TV stations for everyone in the country to enjoy.

Cultural Traditions and Festivities

Various countries have unique and special ways of celebrating Independence Day. In India (after they gained their independence from British rule on August 15^th), family and friends come together to partake in flag hoisting ceremonies, singing of patriotic songs, and parades. People of all ages also take to the skies by flying kites of all shapes and sizes. To end the day, there is a huge feast featuring green, white, and orange foods to resemble the country flag.

In France, Independence Day is known as Bastille Day. The day commemorates when 1,000 citizens stormed the Bastille fortress and rescued prisoners held within, thus liberating the country. To celebrate, Parisians have the day off work and attend parades around Paris and watch fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. During the day, fire stations have their doors open to promote drinking and dancing in the city streets.

Connections to The Center

Here at The International Center, we promote cultural connections and global ties to countries around the world. One of the ways we do this is through naturalization ceremonies – public ceremonies held in a court of USA law to allow prospective new citizens that have completed the naturalization process to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become US citizens. Sophie Love, the Marketing and Communications Intern, attended her first ceremony a few weeks ago. She shares:

It was a heartwarming and emotional process. I could feel the joy shared between friends and family. It felt like a time of celebration because of the hard work and dedication these new citizens experienced. I was honored to be in attendance and I’m looking forward to attending future ceremonies.

Independence Day celebrations may look different in different countries around the world but regardless of the country you are celebrating, globally we can share in the celebration of freedom and unity between members of our community on these excited days.