American Independence Day

Throughout the US, American Independence Day on July 4 each year is celebrated with flag flying, parades, barbecues, picnics and massive fireworks displays. Independence Day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year on July 4, 1777, and by the early 1800s the Independence Day traditions of parades, picnics and fireworks were firmly established.

One of the best places to experience a magical 4th of July is Disney World in Florida, where there's a full week of patriotic events and amazing fireworks displays over Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

Boston is the city that sparked the Boston Tea Party so it's no wonder this otherwise sedate city goes a little crazy on July 4 with a two day festival culminating in a stunning pyrotechnics display using more than 20,000 pounds of explosives - all synchronised with the sounds of the famous Boston Pops orchestra!

In Seattle, sit back on the banks of beautiful Lake Union for another of the top five fireworks displays around the country. Then of course, one of the best places to be on the 4th of July is Washington DC, the nation's capital, where all eyes look skyward at 9pm for the launch of a truly awe-inspiring, 30 minute fireworks display synchronised with the cannons of the National Symphony Orchestra against a fitting backdrop of the Washington Monument and the US Capital.

Down south, New Orleans plays host to another of the country's greatest Independence Day events, with the 'Go 4th on the River' celebrations, the highlight of which is a stunning duelling barges fireworks extravaganza.

Philadelphia, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is another great place to experience the 4th of July festivities, including a parade, carnival, concert and yet more explosive pyrotechnics. Finally, New Yorkers love a party, so the Big Apple goes full on with a Fourth of July fireworks show featuring 120,000 blasts of light, sound and colour.

To organise travel to the event, contact a Flight Centre Travel Expert on 133 133 for assistance or use the form below.