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What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions

UNITED STATES, JUL 4 – The Fourth of July became a federal holiday in 1870 and was reaffirmed as a paid holiday in 1938 for federal employees, marking the nation’s independence from Great Britain.

  • Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with fireworks, parades, and gatherings marking the nation's founding.
  • The holiday originates from the Continental Congress approving the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, after rising tensions with Britain.
  • Early festivities included public speeches and readings across cities, and it grew popular over time, becoming a federal holiday in 1870 and paid leave in 1941.
  • Millions attend cookouts, parades, and festivals each year, but food safety experts urge caution with undercooked meats, raw shellfish, and proper hygiene to prevent illness.
  • Every year on Independence Day, Americans reflect on their historic fight for liberty and reaffirm the enduring principles of freedom, equality, and democratic governance that influence the nation today.
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40 Articles

Discover the origins of the Fourth of July, how the tradition of fireworks originated, and why this American holiday, full of celebration and risk, remains so relevant 247 years later.

Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
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What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions

Fireworks are a cornerstone of America's Fourth of July celebrations, but that can make the spirited holiday dangerous.

·United States
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San Diego Union TribuneSan Diego Union Tribune
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Independent EspañolIndependent Español
Center

July 4th is the essence of the American: parades, barbecues, cold beer and, of course, fireworks. However, those fireworks also make it a particularly dangerous holiday, usually resulting in more than 10,000 visits to the emergency room. But pyrotechnics remain the center of Independence Day, a holiday that has been developing for 247 years. Here are five things you should know about July 4th, including the origin of the holiday and how firework…

·San Diego, United States
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Center

Parades, barbecues and fireworks are emblems of the 4th of July, the Independence Day of the United States but, how did it become today's celebration?This day represents more than meeting with friends and family, celebrating the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for the freedom of the country.It is a day when you reflect on what it means to be an American, celebrates diversity and unity.The struggle for freedomIn the 17th century, the Br…

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USA Today broke the news in United States on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
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