Every July Fourth, cities across the United States light up the sky in celebration. The holiday marks the day in 1776 when the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and declared the US an independent nation.
But the US isn't the only country that hosts parades and fireworks to honor its founding. Around the world, countries mark their independence days with their own traditions, commemorating struggles against foreign rule and celebrating hard-won freedoms.
From Freedom Day in South Africa to the National Day Parade in Singapore to independence celebrations in South Sudan, the world's youngest country, these photos show how people all over the world honor the founding of their homelands.
United States
With the New York City skyline in the background, fireworks explode during an Independence Day show over the East River, July 4, 2017, in New York.
With the New York City skyline in the background, fireworks explode during an Independence Day show over the East River, on July 4, 2017.
India
Indian school girls adjust the jewelry of one of them during India's Independence Day celebrations, in Jammu, India, Aug.15,2017. India gained its independence from British colonial rule on this day in 1947.
Indian school girls adjust jewelry during India's Independence Day celebrations, in Jammu, India, on Aug. 15, 2017. India gained its independence from British colonial rule on this day in 1947.
South Africa
People hold South African flags as they take part in the 20th Freedom Day celebrations at the Moses Mabhida Football stadium in Durban on April 27, 2014. Freedom Day celebrations mark the anniversary of the country's first democratic elections in the post-Apartheid era.
Malaysia
Students waves national flags during 60th Independence Day celebrations at the Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Aug. 31, 2017. August 31 marks the day that the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from the British in 1957.
Students waves national flags during 60th Independence Day celebrations at the Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Aug. 31, 2017. Aug. 31 marks the day that the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from the British in 1957.
Mexico
Mexican airforce aircraft, trailing the colors of the national flag fly over the National Palace during the finale of an annual Independence Day parade by Mexico's Armed Forces, in the Zocalo in central Mexico City, Sept. 16, 2014.
Mexican airforce aircraft, trailing the colors of the national flag, fly over the National Palace during the finale of an annual Independence Day parade by Mexico's Armed Forces, in the Zocalo in central Mexico City, on Sept. 16, 2014.
Afghanistan
Fans of singer Aryana Saeed cheer, during a concert to commemorate Afghanistan's Independence Day in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2017.
Fans of singer Aryana Saeed cheer during a concert to commemorate Afghanistan's Independence Day in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 19, 2017.
Singapore
People recite the pledge at the end of the National Day Parade at Padang on Aug. 9, 2015 in Singapore.
United Arab Emirates
Spectators watch as UAE's Al-Fursan (The Knights) National Aerobatic Team perform with smoke along the corniche of the capital Abu Dhabi on Dec. 1, 2017, during celebrations ahead of the 46th Emirati National Day, celebrated on Dec. 2.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan military carry national flags during the 70th Independence Day celebration rehearsal on Feb. 2, 2018, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
South Sudan
A man holds a South Sudanese flag as people wave to greet the South Sudanese president in the John Garang Mausoleum grounds in Juba on July 9, 2015, during celebrations as part of the country's fourth independence day. The world's youngest nation, South Sudan marks independence every July 9 after separating from Sudan in 2011 following decades of war.