U.S. Independence Day in Europe

I've been away for Canadian holidays before and just planned a nice day - go for a special hike, great meal, fun plans for the day.

I can't say about Independence Day celebrations in Europe, but I was in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada one year for our American holiday. They had a nice display including a beautifully decorated cake for us Americans at their tourist information center. It was a nice touch and felt very welcoming. I've also been on a river rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on our 4th of July. No fireworks allowed, but we had a wonderful party with a talent show and great holiday costumes! Now, that memory brings a huge smile to my face!!

We were in Great Britain a few years ago over the 4th. Just another day. (Not that I would expects the Brits to celebrate or even acknowledge the 4th) I have heard that the American embassies always have a celebration but have never seen one at that time. Since the 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day etc., are all special American holidays why would you expect to see them celebrated anywhere in Europe? Not like religious holidays that disregard national borders.

Not so much maybe about what they did for us, as maybe you found somethng with expats possibly.

Is it today? Nothing happening here, so far as I know. But I'm sure in places like London, with a lot of American diplomats, immigrants and tourists, there will be restaurants and pubs promoting the event to make some extra cash.

Democrats Abroad have chapters in each European country and typically have a picnic or BBQ for the 4th.

If you’re lucky, you get an invite to the Ambassador’s party.

I’m lucky.

The American Consulate community usually has a party, but you need an ID card to go. The Consulate General has a party too, but that one you need a special invitation and it is never, ever on 4 July.
Wiesbaden has a big party, including fireworks. You need an ID card to get on base this year, though often the fest is open to the public. You can still watch the fireworks without being on base.
Democrats abroad always have a party in the different European cities. Have never heard of the Republicans Abroad doing anything at all.
A lot of American based churches will have BBQ's and friends may gather to have picnics. That is what we do since there are 3 Americans living in our apt. building. I make some mean ribs and we have beans, potato salad, and corn on the cob.

In Germany and the UK, there are plenty of Independence Day celebrations put on by ex-pats groups and consulates. Canadians are very kind and celebrate a few days earlier:)

But if I'm in Europe on a US holiday, it's usually intentional and am trying to avoid it. Much rather see what they celebrate. YVMV.

The days around July 4th were always busy for us when I was growing up overseas. During the summers I'd intern at various US diplomatic mission offices (was just a program they had for foreign service dependents) - the consulate, foreign commercial service, etc. There'd be the more formal celebrations for embassy staff, local dignitaries. Occasionally the local US Marine detachment would have a BBQ; in Egypt the embassy had a club house/recreation center out in the suburbs that'd often host an event. Some events were expressly for mission staff and families, others for US expats living there.

Beyond that, the local American school would occasionally have something, various expat families organizing things on their own, US-based companies would have events for their employees and families and invited guests.

Never a shortage of things to do!

US Embassy/US Consulate parties are typically only for staff and families, not for the general public. The Ambassador will host a separate party for diplomats and local government officials.

The American Club in Madrid has a 4th of July party. They are not part of the Embassy but they are located 1 block from it. It's €38 for non members.

If you’re lucky, you get an invite to the Ambassador’s party. I’m lucky.

Oooohhh, do you get served Ferrero Rocher on a silver platter?

Edit: For those who have no idea what I'm referring to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMlP_Moo0bE

Our plans for tommorow are for Barley to wear his Stars and Stripes bandana. My husband and I will do our best to wear red, white and blue. Then we will go to a local bar for dinner that’s serves great hamburgers and French Fries, and tell them “felice quarto di luglio”. Not likely we will run into other Americans here. Not sure if Italians even know the 4th is an American Holiday. We will find out I guess.

LIDL, a local supermarket chain, has “American Week”, but what they sell as American food is Europe’s interpretation. However, we did buy a small bottle of BBQ sauce.

We were in England last year on the Fourth. We thought touring the Ben Franklin house would be a fun way to mark the day, but they were completely booked for some special celebrations throughout the day. We went by anyway (it's right by Trafalgar Square) and took pictures.

So we just did touristy stuff like the London Transport Museum and had a nice dinner in a pub (NOT one that caters to expatriates w/a rowdy party!).

When we lived overseas it was fun to celebrate that country's special day – especially in Switzerland, where personal fireworks are legal. My pyromaniac husband had a field day ;-)

We are usually away for Independence Day. We have been in London, France, Costa Rica and Peru. Nothing special except being in a beautiful place and not using a vacation day to do it. We have been in Panama for Thanksgiving and several restaurants had traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinners.

If you're in Europe, exploring other cultures, what would be the compelling reason for seeking out what is a peculiarly American celebration?

Kent, for you, most likely none. But everyone is different.

On any activities offered by the American Church, I've seen two in France, ie the American Church in Paris and the American Church in a town east of Paris, the American Church in Chateau-Thierry, which I saw as a day trip in 1999.

LIDL, a local supermarket chain, has “American Week”, but what they sell as American food is Europe’s interpretation. However, we did buy a small bottle of BBQ sauce.

Ah yes, Lidl's "American Week". Pops up every now and then. Usually their national speciality weeks offfer some good products whether it's Italian, Spanish, Polish or Greek but the stuff they sell during American Week is completely unappetising and I've never felt compelled to buy any of it. However, I wouldn't describe it as Europe's interpretation, it pretty much does reflect some of the worst of American food. Besides, it's difficult to determine a particular American cuisine so much of what is offered is cheap processed food.

The fake Reese’s sold at Lidl during America weeks are pretty good.

The fake Reese’s sold at Lidl during America weeks are pretty good.

Anything can be an improvement on Reese's!

Blasphemy!