4th of July Traditions

July Fourth is our American Independence Day and celebrates our spirit of Patriotism and Freedom. The only holiday dedicated to America, 4th of July is associated with many traditions the major ones of which are discussed here as well as some of my childhood ones.


The day has forever been associated with favorite customs like fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball, outdoor parties, public and private events honoring the nation etc. Being a summer holiday, most events and entertaining takes place outdoors.

Growing up the kids on the block and my cousins would get together for some football in the street. We’d break into teams of six on six and maybe one of the Dad’s would play a full time quarterback for a game or two before he would have to refill his beer. Mom would yell, “CAR!” and we would stop play to go to either side of the street to let them by. Then we would resume right where we left off.

Picnics and Barbecues have become Fourth of July traditions due to many reasons. The first reason being that summer is a lovely time to be spent outdoors and the second being that these two are easiest way to entertain a large number of guests.

We always had more people than we had tables and chairs for our BBQs (a testament to my mom’s cooking!!) and dad and I always had to pull out the saw horses and planks of wood, covered with a makeshift tablecloth, to help hold all the food. Since we never had enough chairs there was the standing rule grown-ups get the chairs kids can sit on the grass or a blanket.

Public events are common in most cities with state politicians making an appearance for giving patriotic speeches. Singing of the national Anthem and other patriotic songs is also common. Fourth of July parades are mostly held in the morning with red, white and blue decorated floats.

Baseball, Football and Frisbee Games and other outdoor and beach games are popular. There also usually a host of activities for kids like face painting, fairs and carnivals etc. organized at various public places.

Patriotic displays are commonly seen everywhere. People customarily deck their houses with flags, buntings and streamers in Red, White and Blue, the colors of the American flag. Even the clothing worn by people on Fourth of July reflects the colors and designs of the Flag.

For more information on the History and Traditions for Fourth of July and other useful ideas for Fourth of July Parties, Fourth of July Recipes, Decorations and Free Downloads and Printables, visit Celebrating-FourthJuly.com

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