Are There 4th of July Celebrations in Other Countries?

Hajnen Payson, March 1, 2022

The Fourth of July is one of the most important holidays for Americans. It’s a festive time of year that allows us to reflect on our freedoms and everything else that makes this country the best one to live in. But are there 4^th of July celebrations in other countries?

Believe it or not, there are several countries that “go USA” for Independence Day, as they’re home to American expats and others with American heritage. Read on to learn about some of the surprising places that hold Fourth of July celebrations each year.

Denmark

Outside the U.S., Denmark is the only country to hold official 4^th of July celebrations each year. Since 1911, people from across Denmark come together in Rebild National Park in Jutland, where they listen to speeches, sing patriotic songs and hold picnics.

This Independence Day celebration is known as Rebildfesten, and organizers claim it’s the biggest 4^th of July celebration held outside the United States. It attracts Danes and Americans alike who want to gather and appreciate what it means to be truly free.

Norway

Norway’s Fourth of July celebrations aren’t “official,” but they’ve been running for over 30 years. Oslo’s annual Independence Day event features food, competitions and musical performances that honor America.

In the city of Lillestrom, you’ll also find festivities every 4^th of July. They host a unique American car parade in the streets, and there’s no shortage of great food and music to enjoy.

Ireland

Irish and American ties are strong, which is why it shouldn’t be a surprise that Ireland hosts July 4^th celebrations each year. Known as the Irish-America Fest, the celebration is held every year in New Ross. Attendees enjoy five days of United States-inspired food, music and entertainment, and the event is kicked off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and flag raising. You can even see a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party during the event!

Australia

You can also find 4^th of July celebrations in the Land Down Under. Sydney, Australia is proud to be home to the biggest Independence Day events in the Southern Hemisphere. Events include music performances by American DJs, as well as abundant American food and drink. Americans who find themselves in Australia on July 4^th will recognize the atmosphere, if not the climate, as the holiday falls during the winter.

Other fun facts about the 4^th of July

As you can see, several other countries take part in Independence Day festivities. After all, who can resist a fun day of food, entertainment and great company? Whether you’re attending any of the events described above, or you’re hosting your own annual 4^th of July barbecue this Independence Day, impress family and friends with these fun facts about this special holiday:

Independence Day is longer than just one day: We celebrate July 4^th for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but the reality is that the process of declaring freedom from Great Britain took much longer than a single day. In fact, only two of the signers actually signed the document on July 4^th, and most members of the Second Continental Congress did not sign until August 2. Looking at it this way, you could think of July as “Independence Month”!
A strange coincidence marked the 50^th anniversary of the 4^th of July: Two former U.S. presidents and signers of the Declaration of Independence—Thomas Jefferson and John Adams—died on the 50^th anniversary of the original 4^th of July, on July 4, 1826.
The story of the red, white and blue: Why did early Americans choose red, white and blue as the symbolic colors of the country? For one thing, the colors of the flag could have been chosen to reflect the colors of the British Union Jack. Many people look at the colors in a symbolic way, with white signifying innocence, red signifying hardiness and valor and blue representing justice and perseverance.

No matter where you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, do it in style with July 4th shirts, jackets, hats and other patriotic apparel from The Flag Shirt. Show off your love for the red, white and blue with flag-themed attire on July 4^th and every day of the year!