Independence Day (United States)
Fourth of July" and "4th of July" redirect here. For the calendar date, see July 4 . For other uses, see Fourth of July (disambiguation) . Independence Day , known colloquially as the Fourth of July , is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence , which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America . Independence Day Fireworks displays, such as these over the Washington Monument in 1986, take place across the United States on Independence Day. Also called Fourth of July Observed by United States Type National day Significance The day in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia Celebrations Fireworks , family reunions , concerts , barbecues , picnics , parades , baseb...