From submarines to space stations, and from Guam to the US Virgin Islands – how Americans mark their independence off the mainland
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4 July. Known as Independence Day – marking the US’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence back in 1776 – more than 84 per cent of Americans celebrate the occasion in some capacity.
While typical celebrations in the US include firework displays, parades and barbecues, there are some quirky traditions within particular states that prove popular. Take San Diego, for example – which hosts a playful ‘marshmallow fight’ on its Ocean Beach – or Coney Island, home to the famous hot dog eating contest, where contestants race to see who can eat the most in 10 minutes.
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However, 4 July traditions extend far past the borders of the US. Astronauts mark the day up on the International Space Station, and crew onboard submarines celebrate with festivities down in the watery deep. Even thousands of kilometres away in US territories, unique celebrations are in full swing to commemorate the day.
Read on to find out more about these celebrations…
Northern Mariana Islands
On the Northern Mariana Islands, July 4 offers a chance for dual celebration: both to mark American independence, and the end of Japanese occupation during World War II.
A range of activities occur on the day, from parades featuring floats, traditional dances and marching bands to cultural exhibitions of Chamorro and Carolinian heritage. Along with this, a firework display accompanies festivities.
Another unique 4 July celebration is Royal Court, a tradition where community members are crowned to represent the islands.
International Space Station
You might think that 4 July celebrations are limited to Earth, but you’d be wrong. Throughout the years, several crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) have spent the occasion outside of earthly parameters.
Celebrations have included mission control playing ‘America the Beautiful’ as the wake-up song for astronauts, crew wearing stars-and-stripe socks and donning entire red, white and blue outfits, and observing fireworks on earth from up above.
Back in 2013, astronaut Karen Nyberg even decorated biscuits with icings in the colour of the American flag. In the same year, Nyberg’s colleague Chris Cassidy ran a race onboard the station’s treadmill to commerate the day.
And in 2024, NASA astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) sent well-wishes to Americans back on the planet in a video pre-recorded in June.
Of course, with no fireworks permitted onboard the ISS, astronauts have found creative means of replicating a similar experience up in space. In 2024, astronaut Matthew Dominick used light painting – utilising camera flashes to create unique images – to simulate an experience close to home.
American Samoa
4 July celebrations are in full swing in the US overseas territory of American Samoa. Festivities include music, games, giveaways and even mini concerts, with the day culminating in a firework show over the Pago Pago Harbour.
Traditional foods are also eaten on the day, such as palusami (taro leaves wrapped in coconut cream), and fa’apapa (sweet coconut pancakes).
Additionally, the US embassy in American Samoa celebrates 4 July with events such as flag-raising ceremonies and receptions.
Guam
In Guam, 4 July is celebrated with a blend of American and local Chamorro traditions. One of the most highly anticipated events is the Freedom Rocks Festival held at the US naval base of Polaris Point. During the festival, activities range from face painting, live music and dance shows to a 12-minute-long firework show.
The territory also holds a huge BBQ party at Tumon Bay, with vendors serving up a variety of barbecued meats and local dishes. As well as this, performances highlighting Chamorro traditions take place throughout the duration of the party.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico celebrates 4 July in style, with a plethora of activities for all ages that blend American and Caribbean traditions. In the capital city of San Juan, major hotels host poolside parties, BBQ buffets and live music. Numerous firework displays can also be seen on the day, with crowds flocking to beaches including Escambrón and Ocean Park.
Traditional foods are served up on the day, ranging from lechón (roast pork), mofongo (fried plantains) and arroz con gandules (Puerto Rican rice). Some Puerto Ricans set up a BBQ from morning until night, celebrating throughout the entirety of 4 July.
Music plays an integral part of Puerto Rican 4 July celebrations, with a mixture of live bands and DJs playing salsa, reggaeton and traditional Puerto Rican tunes.
Submarines
A submarine might seem like the last place you’d imagine Independence Day celebrations taking place, but there are plenty of traditions that crew members partake in on the day.
One such tradition is ‘steel beach picnics’ – when conditions permit, crew are allowed to surface the submarine and host a barbecue on deck, serving up hot dogs and burgers.
Another tradition – albeit more rare – is that of swim calls. Occasionally, crew members are allowed to dive into the open ocean from the submarine’s deck.
Additionally, if crew have been developed for more than 45 days, the commanding officer may allow what is dubbed as a ‘beer day‘, permitting those onboard to indulge in alcoholic beverages.
