R-O-C-K in the U.S.A.?
Not this year.
You’ve seen 4th of July fireworks for years; so why not swap the Budweiser and ballpark franks for a celebration of American Independence in Europe? Expat groups and local organizations from France to Denmark to England — yes, England! — have their own unique ways of celebrating the USA’s Independence Day. Here are a few places you can visit to put a twist on our traditional 4th of July events.
Just leave the stars and stripes speedo at home, okay?
Image Credit: Getty Images, Bloomberg Creative.
When is American Independence Day?
American Independence Day is officially celebrated annually on July 4th. However, because it’s not a flexible day like the Monday Memorial Day or Labor Day holidays that traditionally start and end the summer, it’s not uncommon for many 4th of July events to take place on the closest weekend.
For example, July 4th, 2024, lands on a Thursday this year — but there will absolutely be 4th of July events scheduled in cities and towns across the country on Saturday, July 6th, and Sunday, July 7th, 2024.
Why do we celebrate the 4th of July?
The 4th of July is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776. But that document that’s now held in the National Archives? It wasn’t actually signed until August 2nd, 1776.
And, if you’re a stickler for dates, the document itself was drafted between June 11th and June 28th, with the draft getting tweaked on July 2nd, 3rd, and into the afternoon hours of July 4th before being given the stamp of approval by the Continental Congress.
Is the 4th of July America's birthday?
Yes, the 4th of July is America’s birthday. It is on that day in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress, making it the official date in which American Independence was “declared”. The United States, having declared itself a self-governing country, had to fight for that independence from England until 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed.
Image Credit: Getty Images, FilippoBacci.
Do they celebrate the 4th of July in Europe?
Technically, only Denmark officially celebrates the 4th of July in Europe. The Rebild Festival is one of the world’s largest celebrations of American Independence outside of the United States.
First held in 1912, the celebration takes place in Rebild National Park (closest station: Skørping St.). Food, drinks, and music — plus a Danish community — happily welcoming American attendants, make Denmark the best place to celebrate 4th of July in Europe.
Where to celebrate the 4th of July in London?
Pull back on the reins a bit, cowboy. You can’t go galloping into London waving the stars and stripes and expect to be met with a warm welcome. The USA and England share quite the history, and over the last 200 years or so, much of that history is built on respect and friendship.
That said, you can politely celebrate the 4th of July in London, just don’t expect 4th of July fireworks. 4th of July events in London range from formal American whiskey tastings organized at upscale bars, guided walks of London focusing on American history in the city, and an Independence Day celebration at the Benjamin Franklin House (closest station: Charing Cross).
Where to celebrate the 4th of July in Paris?
Where better to celebrate the 4th of July than in the city that helped end the American Revolution? Celebrate the 4th of July in Paris, not with fireworks and hot dogs, but with a visit to the grave of Marquis de Lafayette at Picpus Cemetery (closest Paris metro station: Picpus). The French war hero volunteered to help General George Washington and the Continental Army defeat the British. Some organizations, like the AAR, host small ceremonies at his gravesite on Independence Day.
🚆Trainline Tip: Instead of celebrating American Independence specifically, celebrate another proud part of American history by visiting the Normandy’s D-Day beaches by train. A quick day trip from Paris, you can see where American troops stormed the French shoreline in WWII. There, you will also find a filming location from Saving Private Ryan.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Raul Ortin. Image Location: Spain
Where to celebrate the 4th of July in Madrid?
We can’t think of many climates in Europe better than Madrid. Highs flirting with 90°, lows tickling the mid-60°s. The annual Rio Babel Festival just so happens to hit the streets of Madrid on July 4th, 5th, and 6th, bringing comedy acts alongside musical acts like Die Antwoord and Two Door Cinema Club.
As for American-associated celebrations, The American Club of Madrid hosts a 4th of July BBQ celebration each year; though it’s a members-only club designed for American professionals living in Madrid, drop them a line and see if you can (politely) crash the party.
Why do we celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks?
America’s fascination with 4th of July fireworks goes all the way back to the first Independence Day celebrations. John Adams himself hoped that Americans would maintain a tradition of lighting up the night sky from coast to coast for centuries to come.
What is the difference between Juneteenth and Independence Day?
Although both dates mark a celebration of independence in the United States, the difference between Juneteenth and Independence Day is not so much a what but a who.
American Independence Day, celebrated with 4th of July fireworks and parades, recognizes U.S. independence from England — which basically meant that the U.S. won the freedom to govern themselves. Juneteenth, however, commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States, a major first step to ensuring that all peoples in the United States had the same rights in the eyes of the government.
Skip the backyard barbeque and visit Europe for the 4th of July. Download the Trainline app and start planning a red, white, and blue route today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Rebecca Nelson.
