Independence Day is a massive event where I live in the United States. The fourth of July is a day for family, barbeques, and fireworks. Red, white, and blue clothing and décor litter the stores in the coming weeks, and American flags seem to be everywhere. With so much patriotism overcoming the nation, it is easy to forget that we are not the only country that has overcome unfair leadership or the control of a foreign power.
There are more countries with their own day celebrating liberation than I can reasonably detail here, but in light of the fourth of July, I want to highlight 7 countries from 4 continents who celebrate their independence. Many countries listed here are still facing conflicts resulting from the dates they celebrate, but it is important to highlight these locations and understand what they are fighting for.
Africa
South Africa – Freedom Day (April 27, 1994)
This is the most recent celebration on this list. Freedom Day celebrates the election of Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa, which marks the end of the Apartheid. It was the first time that non-whites were allowed voting rights in the country, which resulted in the country’s first black president. Freedom Day marks the end of a 300-year colonial rule suppressing the rights of the majority population.
Freedom Day has a huge link to the history of the country. While celebrations like parades and parties may be held, the most common activities revolve around bringing families together and visiting important historic landmarks. Places like Robben Island—where Mandela was held as a political prisoner—history museums, and the Nelson Mandela capture site are popular attractions.
While Freedom Day marks a massive step in the right direction for South Africa, the country still struggles with discrimination and prejudice. UnFreedom Day is somewhat of a counter-holiday which highlights the poverty and inequality still plaguing the nation.
Sources: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/south-africa/south-africa-freedom-day / https://africantravelcanvas.com/experiences/history-and-politics/what-is-freedom-day-and-why-do-we-celebrate-it/
Asia
Israel – Yom Ha’atzmaut (May 14, 1948 – Observed 5th day of the month of Iyar)
Israel is the only holiday on this list that does not follow the Gregorian Calendar. Rather, Yom Ha’autzmaut falls on the 5th day of Iyar, usually in April but it sometimes falls in May. This marks the day of the formal establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was recognized by countries like the United States and the Soviet Union, but not by nearby Middle-Eastern nations and led to the start of the War on Palestine. The celebration immediately follows Israel’s memorial holiday for fallen soldiers, as these very soldiers are to thank for their independence.
Immediately after Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), the evening begins with the raising of the Israeli flag to half-mass, and then the president gives a speech. There is then a small military parade which is followed by a torch-lighting ceremony to celebrate the country’s accomplishments. The remainder of the celebrations are less uniform with shows, dancing, street parties, picnics, and a number of variable activities occurring through the evening and coming days. The celebration concludes with the Israeli prize award ceremony to recognize the contributions made by the Israeli people.
Sources: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/yom-haatzmaut-israel-independence-day/ / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Israel)
The Philippines – Independence Day (June 12, 1898)
The Philippines rather unironically shared its Independence Day date with the very nation they were liberated from up until 1964—The United States. While July 4th is still a national holiday in the Philippines, it is no longer recognized as their official Independence Day. Rather, the Philippines recognizes independence from the Spanish Empire in 1898. On June 12th of that year, Emilio Aguinaldo and the rebels he led officially declared independence. Shortly after, the United States annexed the Philippines.
Independence Day in The Philippines is a national celebration, wherein most businesses close to enjoy the festivities. There are parades held on the day, and many families spend the day in the park to celebrate. The international Philippine community also celebrates this holiday, with parades being held in cities like New York as well.
Sources; https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/july-4-1946-philippines-independence / https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/philippines.html / https://nationaltoday.com/philippines-independence-day/#:~:text=On%20independence%20day%2C%20the%20sacrifices,the%20government%2C%20and%20the%20citizens
Taiwan – Double Ten Day/National Day (October 10, 1911)
Double Ten, held on the 10th of October, marks the day of the Wuchang Uprising which established a Republic after the overthrow of the Chinese emperor. After the republican forces of the KMT were defeated by the communist regime in Mainland Chinese, the KMT were forced to flee to the island of
Taiwan and reestablish the Republic of China as an island nation. They brought this holiday with them, as a reminder of their fight for a republic.
Taiwan celebrates National Day like many other countries do: with a large military parade, concerts, and massive fireworks displays. They also celebrate the many cultures that make up the diverse nation with aboriginal dances, concerts, and activities.
To learn more about Taiwan’s history, check out Taiwan: A New History
Sources: https://publicholidays.tw/national-day/
Europe
France – Bastille Day ( July 14, 1789)
Not all days of liberation are from a foreign power. For France, their independence is celebrated on the day of the fall of the Bastille: A prison fortress which held citizens and political criminals, many of whom were there by direct order of the king. On July 14th, the prison was overtaken after the guards refused to give up ammunitions to an angry mob. This event was the start of the French Revolution, which ultimately led to the overthrow of a corrupt king.
The Celebration begins with a torchlight parade on the evening of July 13th. The next morning , church bells or gun fire ring out to symbolize the beginning of the military parade. The day progresses with a luncheon, games, song and dance, and ends with fireworks in the evening.
Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bastille-Day / https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/france-facts/symbols-of-the-republic/article/the-14th-of-july-bastille-day
Ukraine – Independence Day (August 24, 1991)
Ukrainian tensions with Russia are in full swing as war rages within the country, but that only makes this even more important to highlight. Let’s not forget Ukraine’s battle for independence and why they continue to defend their nation.
If you want to learn more about Ukraine’s history with Russia, check this book out: https://amzn.to/3nDi986
Ukraine’s independence is much more recent than many on this list. While Ukraine has always been culturally unique, in 1990 the country still fell under U.S.S.R. rule. They have often been under the rule of foreign nations including Russia, Poland, and Turkey to name a few. The U.S.S.R. Fell in 1990, which resulted in a declaration of sovereignty in Ukraine on July 16. However, it wasn’t until a year later when an attempt to restore Soviet rule in Russia failed and a fear of Communist Russian rule returning set in that the Ukraine officially declared independence on August 24th.
Much like the United States, the Ukrainian flag floods the streets of Ukraine during the celebration. Kyiv is the center point of the celebration ,with the capitol city having a much more important role to play in the celebration than that of many other independent nations. The celebration begins with a speech from the president, followed by the raising of the flag. Other events include fairs, feasts, and concerts to celebrate Ukrainian culture
Sources: https://nationaltoday.com/ukraine-independence-day/ / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv_Independence_Day_Parade
North America
Mexico – Día de la Independencia (September 16, 1810)
Many people seem to think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s celebration of independence, but it is actually September 16. This marks the day that Miguel Hidalgo, a catholic priest, rang the church bells and gave his powerful speech to call for Mexican independence. The event is knowns as the Grito de Delores, and it was the beginning of an 11 year war for independence.
The morning typically begins with the bells of the church being rang, followed by a speech from the president. Celebrations include fireworks, fiestas, food, dance ,and music. The Mexican flag plays a huge role in the celebration, with flowers in Mexico’s colors on full display. Typically, there is a chant of the president’s choosing, such as “viva la independencia” along with various other noisemakers like whistles and horns.
Sources: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2021/09/15/everything-know-september-16-mexican-independence-day/8348264002/ / https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/mexico/independence-day
