Celebrating Independence Day Around the World

  • June 28, 2013
  • |
  • Blog

With the upcoming July 4th holiday here in the United States, Language Services Associates (LSA) would like to take a moment to recognize some of the other countries celebrating its independence this July. LSA is proud to have such a diverse community of employees, clients and Linguists from all over the world, and we wish all those celebrating their freedom next month a Happy Independence Day!

Please keep in mind that the below list is just a sampling of the many Independence Day celebrations taking place across the globe this July. For a complete list of celebrations, please click here to view our online Diversity Calendar.

Did you know that…

July 1 is the National Day of Canada, marking the anniversary of the date that Canada became a self-governing country.

Canada Day Celebration – Photo by Martin C. Barry via Wikimedia Commons – Creative Commons – S-A / A

Canada Day celebrations include parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, free musical concerts and citizenship ceremonies for new Canadian citizens.

Fun Fact*: Canadians have been referring to Canada Day by that name only since October 27, 1982. All other July 1 celebrations were known as “Dominion Day.”

*This Fun Fact brought to you by LSA’s very own, Colleen Biggs, Translation and Localization Manager. Colleen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, spent a few years in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and then lived in Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario, before moving to the U.S.


Independence Day in the United States is celebrated annually on July 4, and is often known as the Fourth of July.

4th of July Celebration – Boston 2012 – Photo by Flickr User sayamindu – Creative Commons – S-A / A

It marks the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Americans celebrate with picnics, parades, barbeques and fireworks.

Fun Fact: The Fourth of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.


Venezuela celebrates its independence from Spain in 1811, and the signing of the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence, every year on July 5.

1876 study by Martín Tovar y Tovar depicting the signing of the declaration – Image via Public Domain

Celebrations include festivals, parades and plane shows (in place of fireworks). One of the biggest attractions on Independence Day is the annual military parade in Caracas, the capital and largest city of Venezuela.

Fun Fact: In 2011, Venezuela celebrated its 200th Independence Day.


Argentina celebrates Independence Day on July 9 every year.

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Plaza 9 de Julio, Argentina – Photo by Flickr User einalem – Creative Commons – S-A / A

It is a national holiday commemorating the day in 1816 when Argentina declared its independence from Spain. While there are political parades in the capital and schools are closed for the day, Argentines do not celebrate with fireworks and the festivities that many other countries take part in.

Fun Fact*: Many Argentines will spend July 9 with family and friends, enjoying locro and empanadas, while drinking mate.

*This fun fact brought to you by LSA’s very own Agustina Gomez, Accounting Manager. Agustina was born in Mar del Plata before moving to Buenos Aires, and then the U.S.


Independence Day in Belgium (also known as National Day) is celebrated on July 21, marking the anniversary of Belgium’s independence from the Netherlands in 1831.

Belgium National Day – Photo by Flickr User Eoghan OLionnain – Creative Commons – S-A / A

Belgians celebrate with a number of outdoor activities, including parades, fireworks and musical concerts.

Fun Fact: One of the main attractions of Belgium’s National Day is the annual military parade in Brussels.


Peru celebrates Independence Day on July 28, commemorating the anniversary of Peru’s independence from Spanish rule in 1824.

Peruvian Independence Day celebrations – Photo by Flickr User Suedehead – Creative Commons – S-A / A

The festivities begin with the President’s speech to the nation, followed by the hoisting of the flag, military parades, bullfights and fireworks.

Fun Fact*: Peruvians celebrate their independence for two consecutive days (July 28th and 29th), with both days declared national holidays.

*This fun fact brought to you by LSA’s very own Ray Ruiz, Client Quality Assurance Analyst. Ray was born and raised in Lima, Peru before moving to the U.S.

Will you be celebrating your country’s independence this July? If so, we encourage you to share your Independence Day photos with us, so that we can share with the rest of the global LSA community on our blog and social media pages. Click Here to Submit a Photo

Happy Independence Day Around the World!