Patriotic pageantry and multiple protests marked the United States’ July 4 Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

As the US celebrates its 249th Independence Day, national pride is divided amid political tensions, immigration fears, and growing protests, while rising tariffs threaten future fireworks displays.

Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.