Independence Day

A crowd watches an illuminated bandshell decorated with red and blue stars while confetti falls in the air.

It’s ironic that we play the ‘1812 Overture’ at Fourth of July celebrations

The “1812 Overture” isn’t even about America’s War of 1812. So how did music celebrating Russia’s pushback against a foreign power become associated with America’s Fourth of July?

Fourth of July fireworks over San Diego, 2014

Why did we start using fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July?

Culture
Kumar

Watch an immigrant’s take on the most American of holidays

The World

The Nature and Art of Fireworks

The World

Red, white, black and blue: Patrik Henry Bass on July 4’s multiple meanings

Arts, Culture & Media