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.

It's been 249 years since the Declaration of Independence was passed by the Continental Congress in 1776, which the holiday commemorates.

People celebrate their new U.S. citizenship on July 4, 2025, during a naturalization ceremony on at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.

While Boston's Fourth of July show was last night, there are still plenty of chances to see fireworks in Massachusetts this weekend. More than 10 communities have firework shows planned over the weekend, meaning if there isn't one in your town you can still probably find one near you.

Fireworks to celebrate Independence Day are seen inside the stadium before a quarterfinal match of the FIFA Club World Cup between Chelsea and Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field

This one started hot, with fireworks on the Fourth of July right away. Through five innings, there were five homeruns. Two of them came from Yankees rookie Jasson Dominguez, as he started the game with one,