July 4th may be the most anticipated day of the year for Americans. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, on the coast or in the heartland, Independence Day celebrations follow the same formula: food, fireworks, family and friends.
But what if you are living abroad? It can be fun to use America’s birthday as a chance to share a slice of Americana and extend hospitality to new friends. You might find yourself hurling instead of playing softball, watching a cricket match instead of a fireworks display, eating sweet potatoes and fish instead of potato salad and hot dogs, or joining a drumming circle instead of a parade, but you can still have a blast!
Our friends at the Peace Corps shared some of their favorite 4th of July traditions from around the world:
After many months of rice, these Peace Corps volunteers were happy to gorge on hamburgers at the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Banana bread and tea in Uganda!
Showing off the American knack for dancing.
We only get to dress like this once a year in Guinea so let’s go all out!
Patriotic cupcakes in Burkina Faso.
A hoe-down in Ghana?
Kids in Germany love face paint as much as those in the US!
When you travel to Tanzania, always bring a large flag with you in the event of July 4th!
The 4th of July – Georgian style. Introducing classic American games like the water balloon toss to communities in the Caucuses.
The lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner could be a fun English lesson, not that the word “ramparts” is terribly useful on any other day of the year.
However you celebrate, wherever you are, Happy July 4th!