To me, Independence Day has always meant parades, barbeques, fireworks, and national pride bordering on the ridiculous – with flags emblazoned on baseball caps, bald eagles proudly flaunted on t-shirts, and Yankee Doodle playing enthusiastically ad-nauseam. But around the world, the fourth day of July is no different than the fifth or the twenty-fifth . . . except to the expats whose heart still beats to the sound of “The Star Spangled Banner” even in their new homelands.
Around the world, the Fourth may not be like it is at home, but there are certainly some celebrations for Americans and Americans-at-heart.
London
London is teeming with Fourth of July celebrations. Though a bit ironic (since the day does celebrate Independence from Britain, after all), there is a large expat community in the UK, and they can choose the type of celebration they prefer:
- American Independence Day Picnic at Portman Square Garden, featuring American entertainment, food and drink, crafts, games and children’s activities.
- Balthazar 4th of July Brunch Party, where they will be serving hot dogs, pitchers of Bloody Mary, and US flag cookies, with New York-style yellow cabs cruising outside.
- Independence Day Party at the Ben Franklin House, which will honor the spirit of Franklin, who lived there from 1757 to 1775, with a glass of bubbly and a piece of cake at lunch time.
Sydney
Celebrating the Fourth “down under” means hitting the Hard Rock for “the biggest Fourth of July American Independence Day Party in the Southern Hemisphere!” The enormous party will include American food, American DJs, beer pong, raffles, whiskey tasting and much more!
If the Hard Rock is not your “cup of tea,” try some of Australia’s other establishments that will be celebrating in their own style.
Tel Aviv
For expats in the White City this summer, Independence Day celebrations will transform you back home for the day (or night). Mike’s Place promises deals on Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Southern Comfort, along with international blues star Candye Kane & guitarist Laura Chavez. Shalvata, the self-proclaimed “most-Americanized venue in Tel Aviv” will celebrate with red cups, flags, and beer pong. The party at Dizzy Frishdon promises food that is “greasy, fried, and full o’ meat!”
Paris
Before Bastille Day celebrations kick off in France, American expats can celebrate their homeland’s red, white, and blue at Café de la Presse with a mechanical bull and free shots to those dressed up with “patriotic fervor.” The menu includes hot dogs, fries, burgers, and Budweiser.
Cyclo-Cafe offers a different kind of celebration. They will be gathering on a 16-person picnic bike to cruise, eat and drink their way around beautiful Paris. There will be live music on board, taking your requests of your favorite American classics!
Costa Rica
Americans in Costa Rica can take part in the American Colony Committee’s 55th Annual 4th of July Celebration picnic, complete with flag raising with US Marines, square dancing, Nathan’s hot dogs, volleyball, popcorn, and cotton candy.
Shanghai
In China, Americans can choose between a Toga Party and BBQ at Boxing Cat Brewery, an all-American party with beer pong, cornhole, and pool tournaments at BnC dive bar, or a festive menu at POP American Brasserie.
Independence Day around the World
If you can’t be anywhere “from the red wood forest to the gulf stream waters” this Independence Day, you can still celebrate as if you were in the “good ole USA.” In Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia, Americans keep the Fourth of July alive with celebrations and national pride. Where are you going to celebrate this weekend?