Independence Day around the world

by Daria on July 4, 2009

in Uncategorized

An Independence Day is an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation’s assumption of independent statehood, usually after ceasing to be a colony or part of another state, more rarely after the end of a military occupation. Most countries honour their respective independence day as a national holiday and some countries or nations’ independence-date honours are contested. (from Wikipedia)

On this day, when the Fourth of July or Independence Day is celebrated in U.S., I was curious to see how and when other nations and countries celebrate their national holiday, when their country became independent. And the view we’re taking is strictly through the camera lenses of some artistic photographers from around the world. Below I’m sharing with you some of my findings. Enjoy – and leave your comment at the bottom!

Argentina National Independence Day – July 9 – independence from Spain in 1816
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Chile Independence Day – February 12 – independence from Spain in 1818. Chileans celebrate the date of the first Government Junta on September 18 since 1844.
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Croatia Independence Day – October 8 – independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
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Medieval fort
This is Medvedgrad – a medieval fortified town located on the south slopes of Medvednica mountain, approximately halfway from the Croatian capital Zagreb to the mountain top Sljeme. For defensive purposes it was built on a hill, Mali Plazur, that is a spur of the main ridge of the mountain that overlooks the city. On a clear day the castle can be seen from far away, especially the high main tower. Below the main tower of the castle is Oltar Domovine (Altar of the homeland) which is dedicated to the fallen Croatian soldiers in the Croatian War of Independence.
Photo and comment above courtesy of mmatasic
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India Independence Day – August 15 – independence from the British in 1947

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Vande Maa Taram…..
It is a sanskrit phrase with english translation : “I bow to thee, Mother (INDIA).”

Vande Maa Taram was the national cry for freedom from British opression during Indian freedom movement. Finally on 15th August, 1947, India became a free democratic country

The flag’s saffron color symbolizes courage & sacrifice;
white stands for peace and truth;
green for faith and chivalry;
navy blue wheel with 24 spokes is called Ashoka Chakra, Buddhist spinning wheel(taken from Lion Capital of ashoka pillar at sarnath, India)

My 3 1/2 years old son, Jeet was utilising his childish innocent aptitude to make the tricolor Indian national flag with his LEGO blocks and lttile blue flower to resemble the Ashoka Chakra, while I captured the moment in the frame w/o his notice.

Photo and comment above – courtesy of debasis123

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.Ireland Independence Day – Easter MondayIrish Republic proclamation, commencing the Easter Rising in 1916

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in the morning
Photo courtesy of mk30
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Israel Independence Day – 5 lyar, between April 15 and May 15
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Independence Day
Photo courtesy of shimon21
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Maldives Independence Day  – July 26 – independence from the UK in 1965
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Happy Independence Day
Maldives Independence Day: July 26.
Photo and comment above – courtesy of enwiie
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Mexican Independence Day – September 16 – (Grito de Dolores) Independence from Spain, declared in 1810 and recognized on September 27, 1821
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How is Independence Day celebrated in Paraguay – May 15 – (Día de Independencia) Independence from Spain in 1811
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Slovenia Independence Day – June 25 – independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
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IMG_7170
Night view of the city [of Ljubljana] from a jetty, as the town prepares for a candle light evening in celebration of Slovenia’s Independence Day
Photo and comment above – courtesy of dorcas_huang
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USA – American Independence Day – July 4 – (Fourth of July) Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776
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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Photo courtesy of hungrytiger
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To find out more about the history of Fourth of July, why do we celebrate the Fourth of July, #1 myth about the American Independence Day, what John Adams had written to his wife Abigail, what happened to two founding fathers of the United States and more – visit Meaning of Fourth of July
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Independence Day around the world | Arted 4 Life | Chile Today
July 4, 2009 at 3:23 PM

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Shelly July 4, 2009 at 8:33 AM

How important independence is, can be understood only by those who have been oppressed. Being independent is being free from shackles, and this is our democratic right.

Thanks for posting these wonderful pictures and information about Independence day, especially that of India and Croatia. I loved the colorful pictures here.

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2 Arunrajk July 4, 2009 at 8:33 AM

It is very useful to me, now i know how is independence day celebrating in your nation. Wish you happy independence day.

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3 Sally July 4, 2009 at 8:47 AM

You have really created a very interesting article on independence day. It never occurred to me how other countries celebrated. It is amazing to see the difference and compare what we do with other countries around the world. Even those that are very close to us.

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4 Doroteja July 4, 2009 at 10:37 AM

You chose very creative photos for this article. I really enjoyed looking and reading. I can’t even pick a favorite. Very nice post! :)

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5 Evoltage July 4, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Great pictures! I have never really thought about most of these countries our how they celebrate differently. But no matter where you go, everyone is thankful for their independence. Thanks for the pictures and the info! Enjoy your 4th of july.

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6 sfauthor July 4, 2009 at 6:51 PM

Cool photos!

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7 Jay Zuck July 6, 2009 at 3:45 AM

While celebrating Independence Day this year, one of my friends posited, “You know all nationalism is BS.” I could understand his sentiment, but looking through your pictures I get a very post nationalistic vibe. Independence is a universal idea shared across ennumberable cultures. I’m sending this post to him right away!

Jay Zuck’s last blog post..Guys and Dolls of the Fear and Loathing Lizard Lounge

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