Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July? Everything to know about Independence Day

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is around the corner.

The annual holiday marks the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The day was later signed into law on June 28, 1870, making it one of the oldest federal holidays.

But why do we celebrate July 4 specifically, since the Declaration of Independence was signed later? Why do we set off fireworks?

Here's what you need to know about Independence Day 2024.

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?

July 4 marks the anniversary of when Congress, comprised of delegates from the United States' original 13 colonies, signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document declared the nation's independence from Great Britain.

According to USA TODAY, many original signers didn't even write their names on the official document until Aug. 2, 1776. In fact, it would take six months to acquire all 56 signatures. Thomas McKean, a delegate from Delaware, was reportedly the last person to sign.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was drafted in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson and four other members of the Second Continental Congress, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston. It was signed by 56 men later that summer, starting Aug. 2.

When were the first Independence Day celebrations?

USA TODAY reports that some Americans began celebrating the Fourth of July in 1777, the year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Celebrations became more widespread, however, after the War of 1812.

By 1870, Independence Day had become the most important nonreligious holiday nationwide. It also became a federal holiday on June 28 that year.

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks?

During the first Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, a cannon was fired 13 times, and 13 fireworks were set off in honor of the original 13 colonies. Fireworks were also set off in Boston.

Although laws vary across the country, Americans continue to celebrate the summer holiday with elaborate firework displays. In Ohio, a new fireworks law went into effect last year. According to the new law, residents can only discharge fireworks between 4-11 p.m. on July 3, 4 and 5 and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday immediately before and after the holiday.

Fourth of July celebrations in Greater Cincinnati 2024

The Northside Fourth of July Parade will occur from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, July 4. The Cincinnati neighborhood will also host a Rock ‘n’ Roll Carnival, featuring three days of live music and entertainment, from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on July 5-6 at Hoffner Park.

A Fourth of July celebration with family-friendly activities and fireworks will occur from 6-10 p.m. at Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine.

Red, White & Blue Ash will also host its annual festival, which includes rides, food vendors, drinks and live music. It will take place from 4-10:30 p.m. at Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road.

Click here for more Fourth of July events in the region.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What happened on July 4, 1776? Why we celebrate, use fireworks, more