The year is going by fast and Independence Day is finally here. All over the United States, family, friends, and loved ones are gathering together to fellowship. Folks are firing up the grill. Fireworks sales are happening coast to coast and entire cities are linking up under the stars to watch the bright lights hit the night sky. The Fourth of July is all about celebration and togetherness as citizens commemorate the US gaining its independence in 1776. However, the US isn’t the only country celebrating independence.
Every year, many other nations worldwide celebrate Independence Day in a special way. Although it’s not celebrated on July 4, these countries have their own reasons to celebrate with annual traditions, incredible food, and festivities full of joy. Independence Day is not an American thing. Instead, it’s a universal celebration of a new future for countries once ruled by another. Here’s how a few countries celebrate Independence Day each year.
Burundi
Located in East Africa, Burundi celebrates its Independence Day every year on July 1. Like the US, the country is bursting with excitement, engagement, and events to commemorate Burundi achieving its true independence. There are fireworks of course, as well as cultural events, giant parades, and traditional dance performances. In between the excitement, citizens also gather to listen to speeches from the country’s president as well as Prince Louis Rwagasore, a great Burundian hero and visionary. Burundi’s Independence Day celebrates the country gaining its independence from Germany and Belgium in 1961.
Rwanda
The United States isn’t the only country celebrating independence on July 4. Rwanda officially became independent from Belgium on July 1, 1962. However, the country celebrates independence alongside Liberation Day on the fourth. Also known as Kwibohora, Rwanda’s annual Liberation Day celebrates the end of the genocide that occurred in the country in 1994. Locals use the holiday as an opportunity to educate younger generations on the country’s history and its strides toward unification.
Kenya
While American citizens are preparing for the Christmas holiday, Kenyans are celebrating their independence every December. The African country gained its independence from Great Britain in 1963. Each “Jamhuri Day”, Kenyans gather nationwide to dance, feast, and celebrate the years of toiling to gain independence. On December 12, the country commemorates the day the British flag was removed and replaced by the Kenyan flag on Mt. Kenya. A year later, Kenya was admitted into the Commonwealth as jamhuri, a republic.
Nicaragua
The entire month of September is dedicated to celebrating Nicaragua’s independence. The country gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Nicaragua wasn’t the only country to gain independence from Spain during that time. Costa Rica, Honduras, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala also celebrate their independence from Spain on September 15. Multiple events are happening every day in Nicaragua throughout September to celebrate its independence. There’s the ceremony where the burning torch travels through Central America and marching bands from schools gather to play at festivals and events. Although the 15th is the official day of independence, Nicaraguans celebrate all month.
Ukraine
Every summer, Ukraine celebrates its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country’s Independence Day is celebrated on August 24 after being a part of the Soviet Union for decades. The day commemorates the country adopting its Acts of Independence and Ukraine has remained an independent nation for 33 years. Unfortunately, celebrating Independence Day in Ukraine is difficult due to the current Russian invasion. Nonetheless, Ukraine continues to fight for independence and freedom.
Nigeria
Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day on October 1 and Nigerians around the world prepare each year for a grand celebration. The country freed itself from British rule in 1960 and has grown into the most populous country in West Africa. The streets of Nigeria come alive for Independence Day. There’s plenty of jollof for everyone, student parades, military marches, and traditional musical performances. It’s a national celebration that Nigerians commemorate wherever they reside that represents freedom and national pride.
