American Independence Day and Canadian Independence Day are just around the corner.
Here, at ATELIER de Hoteles, we thought it would be a great idea to share with you a little bit about how the three largest North American countries: The United States of America, Canada, and Mexico, celebrate Independence Day in their own special ways.
Canadian Independence Day
In Canada, the fourth of July isn’t celebrated as it is the neighboring country of the United States because they have their own Independence Day celebration known as Canada Day.
This special day is annually celebrated on July 1st and commemorates all things Canadian, and citizens and lovers of the most northern American nation.
Canada Day
Canada Day used to be known as Dominion Day up until the year 1982 and was the specific national holiday of Canada that promoted the unification of various colonies of the previous British North America that had been discussed for decades.
However, the changing of the name from Dominion Day to Canada Day was probably a wise move to make the formerly colonized territory sound more inviting and inclusive.
Happy Birthday, Canada
Canada Day is such a big deal for Canadians because it’s the country’s birthday! People flock to the streets in major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver to participate in the festivities and events that are thrown every year on this special date.
Outdoor Celebrations
Outdoor public events tend to be the most popular way for Canadians to celebrate the birth of their beloved nation, by participating in things such as parades, colorful carnivals, BBQ parties, air and sea shows sponsored by the military, live music events, citizenship ceremonies, and of course, fireworks!
The 1st of July
Canada Day technically celebrates the Constitution Act, which brought together three territories of the British colony into one Canadian nation during the year 1867.
The Real Date of Independence
The actual date of Canadian Independence is April 17, 1982. On this day Queen Elizabeth officially declared the North Americans Independence from the British Empire.
American Independence Day
The nation of the United States celebrates its day of independence with tons of pride and love for “the Land of the Free.” The 4th of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on that same day in the year 1776.
The Declaration of Independence
We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as a newly independent nation.
Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
July 4th
Independence Day celebrates America’s independence from the British Empire. It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In 1775, the 13 colonies that made up America declared a war of independence against Britain.
Family BBQ Gatherings, Flags, and Fireworks Shows
On this day most families and friends either congregate at home or at public parks to cook traditional American foods like hamburgers, hotdogs, wings, ribs, and French fries, plus so much more. American flags and patriotic apparel are abundant and pride in being American is felt throughout the celebration.
As the sun sets, most cities and towns have a free firework show and it is the highlight of the day that celebrates the joy of being an American and the blessings of a home that is known as the “land of the free.”
Mexican Independence Day
September 16th is Mexican Independence Day, a day commemorating the moment when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo called for independence from Spain in the “Grito de Dolores” in 1810. While it may seem similar, Mexico’s fight for independence was different than the United States’ Revolutionary War. Interestingly enough, Mexican Independence Day coincides with the more recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.
Two Day Celebration
In Mexico, the celebrations begin on the afternoon of September 15th and end on the 16th, the two days are equally important for Mexican nationals. Most businesses allow their employees to work a half-day on the 15th, but the 16th is an official day of rest, so many don’t go to work.
Food, Fireworks, and Fun
Mexican families gather at night on the 15th to eat traditional food such as Chiles Rellenos, Pozole, Tacos, and many others, play board games, and watch on T.V “el Grito” which is when the president, governors, and majors go out the city hall to represent the same call for independence just like the one Miguel Hidalgo did.
How do you celebrate Independence Day in your home country?
Let us know in the comments below.
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