The 4th of July is undoubtedly the most patriotic holiday in the United States. For Americans, it’s not just a national holiday—it’s a moment of pride, celebration, and unity. Meanwhile, for those of us who come from other countries, like Brazil, this day offers an inspiring glimpse into what it means to deeply honor and celebrate one’s homeland.

In this article, I want to share what the 4th of July represents for Americans, how they celebrate, and why I admire this patriotic energy so much. I’ll also compare it to Brazil’s own Independence Day on September 7th, and finally, share some personal reflections from my own experiences as an immigrant living in the U.S.

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, marks the historic moment in 1776 when the thirteen American colonies declared independence from British rule. It symbolizes freedom, courage, and the birth of a nation that values democracy and individual rights.

For Americans, this day is not only about looking back at history but also about celebrating the values that continue to shape the country today. Meanwhile, the symbolism goes beyond just fireworks and parades—it reflects the collective pride of a nation that fought hard to exist and continues striving toward equality and liberty for all.

From coast to coast, the 4th of July is a day of joy, tradition, and meaningful gatherings. Families come together for barbecues, beach outings, picnics, and small-town festivals. Many people travel to visit relatives, turning the day into a full weekend getaway.

In almost every city, there are local events including:

• Fireworks displays
• Parades with marching bands and vintage cars
• Concerts and outdoor movie screenings
• Food trucks and local vendors
• Community fairs and children’s games

For example, in cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Dallas, you’ll find large-scale public celebrations that attract thousands. Meanwhile, in small towns, people celebrate in parks, churches, and neighborhoods—each adding its own flavor to the festivity.

Photo by Suvan Chowdhury

What strikes me the most is how people of all ages and backgrounds come together with such joy and pride. Everyone wears red, white, and blue. Flags are everywhere. You can feel the emotion in the air.

As a Brazilian living in the United States, I find this display of patriotism genuinely moving. It’s not something I experienced in the same way growing up. Of course, we celebrate September 7th—Brazil’s Independence Day—but the feeling is very different.

In Brazil, the day is mostly marked by military parades in big cities and some school events. However, it doesn’t generate the same emotional connection among people as the 4th of July does here. For many Brazilians, it’s just another holiday, a day off work.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., patriotism is deeply rooted in everyday life, and Independence Day is the pinnacle of that. I admire how Americans teach their children about the country’s values and celebrate their history together as a family and as a community. It’s something I believe many countries, including Brazil, could learn from.

Photo by Big Bear Vacations

Last year, I experienced my first 4th of July celebration in person. My family and I decided to go to a high point in our area to watch the fireworks. We packed some snacks, brought lawn chairs, and joined dozens of families who had the same idea. We waited patiently as the sky grew dark.

However, the fireworks display from that location turned out to be underwhelming. It was difficult to see everything clearly, and the view was blocked in some directions. So, we decided to return home.

To our surprise, once we got back, the view from our neighborhood was breathtaking! From our own backyard, we could see dozens of fireworks shows happening all around us. It felt like the entire city was celebrating together, and we had a front-row seat.

At the same time, I remember feeling a bit nervous—the fireworks were so close and loud that it was hard to relax completely. In Brazil, fireworks are mostly used during New Year’s Eve and soccer victories, but not usually so close to home or so frequently.

This year, I plan to celebrate the 4th of July again—not necessarily as a celebration of independence, but as a reminder of how grateful I am to be here.

For me, this day represents:

• The opportunity to live in a new country
• The strength to rebuild my life as an immigrant
• The blessing of being with my family
• The chance to experience new cultures
• The gift of health and protection from God

In addition, the 4th of July reminds me to pause and appreciate the journey I’m on. As an immigrant, there are many challenges—language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness—but there’s also growth, learning, and faith involved.

When I compare the 4th of July to Brazil’s September 7th, I can’t help but notice a big difference in how people connect emotionally to these dates. In the U.S., Independence Day is deeply appreciated by most Americans. Every year, they proudly display flags, decorate their homes in red, white, and blue, and organize events that bring communities together. There’s a strong sense of unity and gratitude in the air, as if everyone pauses for a moment to remember the meaning behind their freedom.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, even though Independence Day is a national holiday, it often feels less personal. Many people don’t engage in celebrations unless it’s a school event or an official parade. The deep emotional connection to the date isn’t something I felt growing up. In fact, I’ve noticed that Brazilians tend to express national pride more strongly during the World Cup. That’s when the green and yellow flags come out, people dress in national colors, and the streets are filled with music, cheers, and celebration. It’s beautiful, but it’s a different kind of patriotism—one that’s more tied to sports than to our country’s history.

@Mateus Fernandes/Agência Mural

In this way, I see the 4th of July as a powerful example of how a nation can hold on to its roots and pass that pride from one generation to the next. It’s something I deeply admire and wish we could experience more often in Brazil outside of the soccer field.

In times of political division and global uncertainty, celebrating what unites us is more important than ever. The 4th of July gives Americans the opportunity to remember the values they share—freedom, justice, opportunity—and renew their commitment to those ideals.

As someone coming from another culture, I believe patriotism doesn’t mean ignoring a nation’s flaws. Rather, it means loving your country enough to want it to improve. It means caring enough to participate, to speak up, and to teach future generations to do better.

That’s something I carry with me as I raise my kids in this country. I want them to appreciate where they come from and also where they are now—to blend the best of both cultures with pride.

So as 4th of July approaches, I feel grateful. I may not have grown up here, but I am here now—with my family, my health, and my faith. That alone is worth celebrating.

We may not have a big party or fancy fireworks this year. Maybe we’ll just cook something nice, watch the fireworks from home again, and enjoy the peaceful feeling of being together.

However, what matters most is the reminder this holiday brings—to honor freedom, to be grateful for where we are, and to keep dreaming, even as immigrants, of a future full of possibilities.

Happy 4th of July! May your celebration be safe, meaningful, and full of light—wherever you are.