The entire globe to celebrate freedom

As barbecues and fireworks soon alight across the nation, we’re not alone. Freedom and democracy may vary their packaging at first glance, but the essence is spreading. True freedom evolves slowly over time, and joys over its milestones are as human as drawing breath.

Man’s independent spirit thrives this month across the globe.

Our neighbors across the border kick it off tomorrow: Canada Day is July 1. Nearly a century after Americans broke from the British, Canada followed suit in 1868. At first named Dominion Day, Canadian independence celebrations weren’t as common. Now, annual Canada Day celebrations resemble our own — with barbecues, fireworks, concerts, and family fun.

Speaking of British breaks (Brexit irony notwithstanding), the beautiful Bahamas – once home to Blackbeard the pirate — also gained freedom from the U.K. in July (10), but not until 1973. However, while it’s self-governing, it’s also part of the Commonwealth.

The French supported our revolution (and gave us the Statue of Liberty to commemorate it), but theirs, too, followed ours in 1789. “Bastille Day” on July 14 looks a lot like the Fourth, with military parades, fireworks, and picnics. Paris hosts the grand, public “Fireman’s Ball,” an opera, and patriotic museum displays — all free on Bastille Day.

Speaking of the French, freedom can’t live one-sided. Algeria celebrates its independence from France on July 5 (1962). Laos too, on July 19 (1942). Algeria National Day celebrations have a festive, and very green, multicultural focus in this blended African country. In Laos it’s tamer; the still-oppressive government is big on speeches and official parades.

Turning to Latin America, Argentina’s Dia de la Independencia celebrates its break from Spanish colonialism on July 9 (1816). Beyond parades and speeches, many Argentinians gather for large family reunions for independence day. Same goes for Venezuela — on July 5, also from Spain.

Colombia’s is July 20, 1810, when their first independent council defied Spanish rule. It took Simon Bolivar and others nine more years to gain true independence, but they celebrate throughout the month with street dancing, concerts, and carnivals.

This list isn’t complete. Other independence days in July include Belarus (3), Belgium (21), Cape Verde (5), Malawi (6), Peru (28), and Rwanda (July 1).

So however we celebrate freedom this month, we share a spirit of independence that stretches across time and national borders.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].