More national celebrations abound right here, right now, with our whimsical look at superlative country holidays to hone in on as a tourist. The big ones get all the publicity unfortunately, so while we did nod our head in the direction of Washington D.C. and the raucous Fourth of July celebrations there, we must point out that there are other national days of importance. Independence Day is not the specific jurisdiction of the United States of America after all.
In fact, with the demise of colonial rule over the last century or so, there are dozens upon dozens of nations that celebrate independence, with much vim and vigor for that matter. From Benin to Guyana, Sri Lanka to Zambia, celebrations to commemorate the end of imperial rule occur almost every day. Seriously.
With that, here are more cool national celebrations to consider the next time you visit a country. Who wants to gaze cluelessly at a fireworks display? Read on to avoid utter tourist embarassment.
Independence Day, India, August 15
India is a complex nation, far from homogeneous, with regional, ethnic, religious and linguistic fractions. However, national pride is strong. Just witness the joyful, intense, political and passionate displays of that pride every August 15. Unlike independence celebrations in other nations where a sense of victory and “we overcame” is elusive and the party that ensues is more out of tradition and devoid of real significance, people take the occasion to heart in India. Big time.
Just head to New Delhi to witness events on Independence Day, where a theme of freedom resonates and the air vibrates with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s landmark Tryst with Destiny speech from 1947, spoken to the new nation as the clock struck midnight on August 14.
Check out ample hotel deals in New Delhi.
Israel’s day of independence marks the occasion on May 14, 1948 when new Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion told the world that the British Mandate over Palestine was over. As a result, every year on the 5th of Iyar on the Jewish calendar (which falls on April 29 in 2009), the celebrations, some solemn, some boisterous, flow.
To be sure, there are a myriad of official rites, such as on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, where the speaker of the Knesset moves the crowds, a procession of soldiers hoists the national flag and prominent citizens light torches to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. But if you can make it to Tel Aviv, a great party city at any time, the good times really roll on Yom Ha’atzmaut.
El Grito de Dolores, Mexico’s proud day of independence to commemorate freedom from Spain, is the mythical battle cry of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest from the town of Dolores. Hidalgo spoke the words on September 16, 1810, and since the battle cry has come to illustrate independence and national pride in Mexico. As such, Independence Day is held every September 16 and is the fiesta of record in the country.
If you can make it to Mexico City on this landmark date, the experience will stay with you for years. The occasion kicks off the night before with a symbolic recreation of Hidalgo’s defiant statement from the balcony of the National Palace by the President, an event which draws immense crowds well over half a million people. On September 16, a huge military procession winds through the streets of the capital city and a buoyant party celebrates deep into the night.
Stay in beautiful Mexico City thanks to affordable hotel rates.
Independence Day, Brazil, September 7
You never require an excuse to visit Brazil. However, much like the famous Rio Carnival, September 7 is a good time to be in Sao Paulo, or anywhere in Brazil for that matter. Freedom from hundreds of years of rule under Portugal and European subjugation as a whole for that matter, is cause enough to hold huge celebrations in the streets, from formal parades - and Brazilians know how to do a parade right - to more spontaneous revelry by proud citizens.
All in all, the most populous city in South America turns into one big happy place every September 7. If you want to feast, drink, dance and party with the locals, this is the time and place to do it. With crowds in the streets that number into the hundreds of throusands, 7 de Setembro as Brazilians refer to the iconic day, is an event par excellence.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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