Welcome to What Unites Us, a series that looks at celebrations, rituals, and customs around the world through the lens of shared experience. The ways we commemorate annual events—from harvests to birthdays and everything in between—may look different across cultures, but they remind us of our shared humanity.

Happy Fourth of July! Here in the United States, people show their red, white, and blue pride by basking at the beach, hosting backyard barbecues, and “oohing” and “aahing” at colorful fireworks. We may think of them as all-American, but Independence Day celebrations aren’t unique to the US. Countries all over the world set aside a day each year to celebrate their freedom to self-govern. Let’s take a trip around the globe to see how countries honor their independence. 

North America

Canada – Canada Day, aka Dominion Day, commemorates the country’s break from the British Empire in 1867. Celebrated on July 1, Canada Day features barbecues, parades, concerts, and fireworks shows—much like its neighbors to the south. If you’re planning to celebrate Canada Day, don’t forget to paint your face red and white! 

Mexico – Contrary to popular belief, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) is NOT Mexican Independence Day! Dia de la Independencia, which commemorates the day in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rallied the Mexican people to rise up against Spain, is September 16. The rallying cry, known as Grito de Dolores, set off a decade-plus struggle that ended 300 years of colonial rule. Mexico gained full independence in 1821.

Dia de la Independencia differs from many other Independence Days, as it marks the start of a revolution rather than the end of one. Mexican Independence Day celebrations include parties, mariachi bands, dancing, parades, bullfights, rodeos, and extravagant feasts.

Central America

Costa Rica – Costa Rica shares an Independence Day with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Rather than fighting for independence, this multistate Central American Federation was granted independence by Spain on September 15, 1821, due to the country no longer having the resources to support the region. Two years later, Costa Rica helped form the United Provinces of Central America, but in 1938, it proclaimed its sovereignty. 

In Costa Rica, the September 15 independence celebration begins the evening before with the famous “nighttime lantern parade,” or Desfile de Faroles. The parade features thousands of children carrying homemade lanterns down the city streets. 

Every year, a lit torch is carried from Guatemala to Costa Rica. This “passing of the torch” symbolizes the unity and freedom shared by the Central American countries. 

South America

Brazil – Brazil commemorates its independence from Portugal with Sete de Setembro on September 7. Brazilian Independence Day celebrations are headlined by elaborate civil-military parades. Events hosted in the US and UK include parades, concerts, and showcases of dance and martial arts. 

Colombia – July 20 marks the day the Colombian people began to protest Spanish rule in 1810. If you find yourself in Colombia on July 20, expect military parades, wild parties, traditional folk music, and more food than you could ever hope to eat!

Europe

Greece – Greece celebrates its independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25. Greek Independence Day is similar to many other countries’ festivities, with parades, parties, and food galore! However, Greek Independence Day is also considered a religious holiday. Due to the date lining up with the Greek Orthodox Feast of the Annunciation, many churches will hold their festivities on Independence Day. Talk about a two-for-one special!

France – July 14 is Fête Nationale Française, which translates to French National Celebration; however, it is often referred to as simply French National Day or Bastille Day. The latter honors the storming of Bastille, one of the most pivotal and famous battles of the French Revolution. 

The French Revolution was a bloody and brutal time in French history and is most famous for its public guillotine executions. Thankfully, the entertainment during Bastille Day is devoid of decapitations! Among the more well-known celebrations are the Firemen’s Balls, in which fire stations across Paris open their doors to the public for parties. There’s food, drinks, and some absolutely fire music. 

The Middle East 

United Arab Emirates – The UAE’s National Day celebrates the country’s formation on December 2, 1972. In typical UAE fashion, the festivities go all out. Car shows, giant dance parties, and explosive fireworks all light up the night. People dress in the flag’s colors (red, green, white, and black), and even the shining beacon of the UAE, the Burj Khalifa, is lit up to resemble the flag. 

Asia-Pacific

South Korea – South Korea gained independence from the Empire of Japan on August 15, 1945. Due to being one country at the time, South Korea and North Korea share an independence day. It’s also the same day that North and South Korea officially split.  Gwangbokjeol, or “Restoration of Light Day,” is often celebrated with parades, parties, and displays of the South Korean Flag on whatever buildings can hold it. Meanwhile, in North Korea, the main celebrations take the form of military marches and parades. 

Different Yet the Same

Each country’s backstory is unique, but Independence Day celebrations all come down to one factor: freedom. Whether it’s running a torch from one country to another, grilling up some burgers, or displaying your nation’s flag on the tallest building in the world, these traditions bring people together to celebrate and reflect on the road to independence.