On August 17, 2017, we will celebrate our 72nd Independence Day. Various celebrations of this historic day have been prepared by all Indonesians, starting from our neighborhoods, schools, offices, to the highest government.
Various red and white attributes are adorned throughout the country, typical independence day competitions are also organized, such as climbing areca nut, sack race, tug of war, cracker eating race, and many more. The whole country rejoices in celebrating the long journey of our heroes' struggle to achieve independence.
The excitement of Independence Day celebrations is not limited to Indonesia. Almost all countries celebrate it with great fanfare. Here are some countries with unique and interesting celebrations:
1. Arab Saudi
This country previously did not celebrate its independence day because according to some scholars, the anniversary celebration was not taught by the Prophet. However, since King Abdullah ascended the throne in 2005, Saudi Arabia began celebrating its independence day on September 23. The celebration every year is very lively by holding a large-scale night market featuring various dances.
2. India
Every August 15, India celebrates its independence day by dancing along the streets. Usually after the state of the nation address, they take to the streets and dance with joy. Not only that, the event is also enlivened by the parade of the Indian military on a large scale.
3. Meksiko
Mexican independence celebrations are organized in different ways in each region. For example, in the city of Chalma, people reenact the battle between Spanish and Mexican troops but throw guavas at each other. Other regions celebrate with rodeos, parades, bullfights and more. The similarity between each region is that they all decorate the entire country with red, white, and green according to the colors of the flag. They also chant the word “gritto” which was Miguel Hidalgo's signature shout during the fight for Mexican independence.
4. Qatar
The country that is touted as the richest country celebrates its independence day on September 3 for 3 consecutive days. The celebration was very lavish, the government held a military parade with fighter jets, parachute jumping attractions, fireworks, and ships.
5. Ukraina
The country chooses to do social activities to celebrate its independence day. In addition, there are big circus performances and carnivals. Of course, in the evening there are fireworks in the city center. Afterward, citizens celebrate by having dinner with family and relatives with homemade food.
6. Amerika Serikat
Not far from other countries, America also celebrates its independence every 4th of July with parades and fireworks. The special thing is that in every region there are music concerts with world-class musicians. In addition, there is a citizenship ceremony for 8000 immigrants in Washington DC, which is held during the week.
7. Australia
While Indonesia has sack races and cracker eating races on Independence Day, Australia celebrates with boat racing and surfing. The January 26 celebration is always enlivened with a massive fireworks party. In addition, there are music concerts held simultaneously in all cities in Australia.
Every country has its own way of celebrating its independence day. Let's celebrate our independence day with the spirit of unity and of course with Indonesian characteristics. Merdeka!
