Independence Days – The New York Times

Americans declared independence from the British 248 years ago. Throughout this long weekend, people will celebrate the holiday with a hot, sticky spectacle of national identity. Towns hold parades and shoot fireworks, families have barbecues and crowds wear red, white and blue. The Times publishes the Declaration of Independence in full.

Dozens of other countries have seceded from the British Empire. Even more have seceded from other empires, and many countries mark their liberty with holidays that display their national identities, too.

We wanted to share how other countries honor their independence each summer. Here’s a look:

Algeria | July 5

Algeria lived under 132 years of colonial French rule. After a brutal war, the country declared its independence on the anniversary of the French invasion of Algiers. Across the country, Algerians hold parades and dress in traditional tribal clothing. The president issues pardons to thousands of prisoners including, in some instances, anti-government activists.

Iceland | June 17

Iceland was part of Denmark until it held a referendum during the Nazi era. Icelanders now celebrate independence on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a major figure in the Icelandic independence movement. People hold parades across the island; they often include a woman meant to personify Iceland. She wears a traditional dress and recites a poem.

Indonesia | Aug. 17

A four-year war ended Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. Indonesians hold games and competitions to celebrate, like sack races and eating contests. One of the most popular games is “panjat pinang,” where players attempt to climb a greasy pole to get the prizes sitting on top — including, often, bicycles.

Jamaica | Aug. 6

Jamaica commemorates its turn from a British colony to a Commonwealth country with around a week of parades. Jamaican artists also participate in a competition to write an original, patriotic song. (Here are some of the winning songs over the years.)

Niger | Aug. 3

Niger’s independence day, commemorating the end of French colonial rule, coincides with its National Arbor Day, which encourages Nigeriens to plant trees. In the last few decades, over 200 million new trees have grown in southern Niger.

North and South Korea both celebrate their independence from 35 years of Japanese imperial rule. It is one of the few holidays the countries share. North Korea knows the day as “Liberation of the Fatherland Day.” In South Korea, where the holiday’s literal translation is “Restoration of Light Day,” buildings are decorated with the national flag.

Pakistan and India | Aug. 14 and 15, respectively

After decades of colonial rule, Britain left the Indian subcontinent in 1947, partitioning the region into two new countries: India and Pakistan. Pakistan and India both still celebrate the partition as their independence. On their border, Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform a daily symbolic ritual of rivalry to roaring crowds. But on this special occasion, forces also share sweets and gifts with their counterparts on the other side, a gesture of peace.

Peru celebrates its independence from Spain by celebrating for multiple days. Schools hold winter break during this period, workers receive bonuses and the military holds a parade. Presidents or vice presidents are also inaugurated on the holiday.

Philippines | June 12

Diagnosis: Read about the experience of one woman diagnosed with autism at 43 from The Cut.

Digital life: One Million Checkboxes has been called the most pointless website on the planet. It’s a case study in internet behavior.

36 hours in Boston: Visit Fenway Park, walk along the waterfront and explore the John F. Kennedy presidential library.

D.I.Y. travel: Experience the adventure of the Orient Express journey for much cheaper than the luxury train.

Work: Some countries are trying a four-day workweek. Greece wants six.

Lives Lived: V. Craig Jordan was a pharmacologist who discovered a key breast cancer drug and helped save the lives of millions of women. He died at 76.

SPORTS

Tennis: The English tennis legend Andy Murray bid an emotional goodbye to Wimbledon yesterday after losing in doubles.

N.B.A.: The Golden State Warriors acquired the sharpshooter Buddy Hield, who has made the second-most 3-pointers in the league in recent years — behind new teammate Stephen Curry.

Competitive eating: At the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo won the women’s title with a record 51 hot dogs and Patrick Bertoletti won the men’s title. The reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, barred from the event, held his own contest later in the day.

ARTS AND IDEAS

The internet can’t decide what makes a sundress a sundress. Does it need to be bright and floral? Can it be white or, even more controversially, black? What about the shape? Some feel it should be tight, others say loose; and no one can agree on the length. The Styles section has put together a sundress survey: Take the quiz, and see if you can find common ground with other Times readers.