The 4th July, Independence Day, may be a holiday only really celebrated in the United States, but people all over the world can definitely enjoy the celebrations, which tend to be the biggest and most extravagant on the planet.

Independence Day in the U.S. is all about fireworks, and the bigger the better. Each year, cities across the country compete to outdo each other with even more impressive fireworks displays, and 2014 is set to be no different.

Best 4th July fireworks

According to travel publication Travel + Leisure, the following are five of the most anticipated fireworks displays crowds across America are looking forward to:

1. New York City – Macy’s 4th July Fireworks – from the launch site at the lower end of New York’s east river, more than 40,000 pyrotechnics are set to be released into the night sky above lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. As if this wasn’t exciting enough, it is rumoured that more fireworks will be released from three barges heading down the river.

2. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular – this 21-minute explosive extravaganza is held on the Charles River, so onlookers can enjoy the reflection in the water as well as craning their necks to the sky. The display in Boston is accompanied by a concert, which everyone can still hear above the fireworks thanks to 30 epic sound towers.

3. Washington, D.C.: A Capitol Fourth – on the 4th July in Washington, the whole of the Mall becomes the stage for a very dramatic production. In a display that takes over a week to set up, the sky around the nation’s capital is lit up with hugely impressive fireworks, exploding over the backdrop of some of the country’s most famous statues, buildings and landmarks.

4. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota – perhaps even more impressive as the fireworks display set to the backdrop of Washington’s iconic monuments is the party held at Mount Rushmore every year on 3rd July (to avoid conflicts with other celebrations, apparently). Around 12,000 flock to watch the sky explode above Gutzon Borglum’s world-famous sculpture of the four U.S. presidents.

5. Addison, Texas – The Addison Kaboom Town! Fireworks Display – another party held on July 3rd, the celebrations in Texas are a little different. The fun starts with a huge display of fireworks to music, which is also simulcast through a local radio station, and then historic warplanes take to the sky – with the whole thing ending in the very early hours of Independence Day itself.

Planning your own 4th July party?

If you have American relatives or you simply love all things American, there’s no better excuse for a U.S. themed party than a 4th July party. You can lay out American-themed snacks and treats, decorate your home with flags and the star-spangled banner and maybe put on some fireworks of your own – just remember that the British weather is not always as favourable to fireworks as it is across the pond!