1. Independence was actually declared two days before July 4.
Although the official date of the celebration is July 4, the Continental Congress actually declared the independence of the 13 British colonies on July 2, 1776. On that day, the drafting of the document to make it official began, and Congress endorsed it on July 4 so that it could be printed.
Because the document signed by the founding fathers is marked July 4, the government recognizes that date to celebrate the Independence of the United States.
2. The traditional dish of the holiday is salmon.
Salmon is considered the traditional dish of the celebration thanks to a tradition born in New England.
When the celebrations for the Independence of the United States began in this region, salmon was very common on the tables of the inhabitants during the summer. As the dates coincided, it became a traditional food that remains to this day.
3. The oldest Independence parade was held in Rhode Island.
Although Independence was declared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the oldest parade was not held in this city, but in Bristol, Rhode Island.
History has it that Bristol has been celebrating the 4th of July with a parade since 1785 and is considered the most patriotic city in the country. The first event was organized by Reverend Henry Wight to honor those who fought for the nation's independence, and the tradition continues to this day.
4. Americans spend nearly $100 on the celebration.
In 2023, it is estimated that approximately 87 percent of Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July and each resident will spend an average of $93.34 on the holiday, according to data from the National Retail Federation.
5. Hospital admissions increase every 4th of July.
American Independence Day celebrations also cause an increase in hospital emergency room admissions, especially due to the fireworks used in a large number of homes.
6. Not only the United States celebrates the 4th of July
The 4th of July is not only a day of celebration in the United States, Rwanda and the Philippines also celebrate their independence.
7. The hot dog eating contest is a 4th of July tradition.
One of the main traditions of the holiday is the Nathans hot dog eating contest, which takes place in Coney Island, New York.
The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest consists of eating the most hot dogs with buns in a span of 10 minutes. The current record is held by Joey Chestnut, who in 2021 ate 76 hot dogs.
8. A president died after falling ill on the 4th of July
U.S. President Zachary Taylor became ill after eating cherry and milk during the 4th of July celebration at the Washington Monument. Five days later, he died from the food he ate.
Interesting fact: Zachary Taylor spent July 4, 1850 eating cherries and milk at a ceremony at the Washington Monument. He became ill from the heat and died five days later, the second president to die in office.
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