Independence Days
Americans declared independence from the British 248 years ago.Throughout this long weekend, people will celebrate the holiday with a hot, sticky spectacle of national identity.
Towns hold parades and shoot fireworks, families have barbecues and crowds wear red, white and blue.The Times publishes the Declaration of Independence in full.Dozens of other countries have seceded from the British Empire.
Even more have seceded from other empires, and many countries mark their liberty with holidays that display their national identities, too.We wanted to share how other countries honor their independence each summer.Here’s a look:Algeria | July 5Algeria lived under 132 years of colonial French rule.
After a brutal war, the country declared its independence on the anniversary of the French invasion of Algiers.Across the country, Algerians hold parades and dress in traditional tribal clothing.
The president issues pardons to thousands of prisoners including, in some instances, anti-government activists.Iceland | June 17Iceland was part of Denmark until it held a referendum during the Nazi era.Icelanders now celebrate independence on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a major figure in the Icelandic independence movement.
People hold parades across the island; they often include a woman meant to personify Iceland.She wears a traditional dress and recites a poem.Indonesia | Aug.
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