Independence Day

Independence Day is an important festival in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. Americans remember their history and they celebrate their independence from Britain. Different activities take place on this day: big parades in the streets, fireworks at night accompanied by patriotic songs, political speeches and ceremonies and family reunions. Americans don’t go to work or school, so families get together and have a picnic or a barbecue; they eat a lot of hambugers, hot dogs snacks and a traditional salad called “Layer Dip” (pepper, tomato, onion, lettuce, cheese,chicken and spicy tomato sauce). There are also fairs, concerts and baseball games. Decorations are generally coloured red, white and blue, the colours of the American flag.

Pay attention to the highlighted text. What kind of information does the text include? Discuss with a partner. 

• When the celebration takes place.  
• Where the celebration take place. 
• Origins of the celebration. 
• What they celebrate. 
• Special clothes people wear. 
• Traditional food. 
• Traditional activities. 
• Typical colours. 
• Typical music people listen to. 
• Other information.