Fourth of July Parades and Celebrations Locations Locator Map and Directory

This map shows most of the July 4th parades (a.k.a. Independence Day Parades) held in the USA. In American culture, the Fourth of July signifies the anniversary of the adpotion of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed on July 4, 1776. The Declaration officially proclaimed American independence from Great Britain, propelling the two countries toward the inevitable American Revolutionary War. Today, Independence day is celebrated with parades, fireworks shows, carnivals, fairs, picnics, barbeques, and parties. It is a federal holiday that is typically understood to be the country's national day. The holiday is traditionally marked by patriotic displays, such as dressing in red, white, and blue, or wearing Uncle Sam Costumes. Parades often take place in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at public areas such as parks, harbors, fairgrounds, and town squares. Particularly significant 4th of July parades include the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, which is the oldest continuous July 4th celebration in the US (since 1785), and the National Independence Day Parade in downtown Washington DC.