The fruits of liberty

With the City being a melting pot of cultures, there is no dearth of celebrations here. For the Americans who have made their home here, the ‘American Independence Day’ is about celebrating freedom with food and festivities. Moreover, it is also about spending quality time with friends and family.

Captain Eddie Lopez, who is from New York, says that the festivities for the day include “steaks, good ol’hot dogs and hamburgers”.

“Barbecues are an important part of the day too.

Most American families have a grill and this is one of the must-traditions of the day. July 4 is a no-work day, which by itself becomes a celebration,” he adds.

Viviana Gonzalez, his wife, says that this year, it will be about celebrating the day with friends in the City. “We try to reciprocate whatever is done back home.”

John Mercer from Montana, who works as a professor here, says that this day is important as it celebrates the signing of the ‘Declaration of Independence’.

“It’s a big summer holiday and a time to travel. Most of the people celebrate it as a long weekend, else they have large parties and fireworks,” he says.

“Our country has been independent for a long time and at times the day is more of a holiday than remembering what it signifies,” he adds with a laugh.

His wife, Colleen, a biologist, says that being with family and “doing whatever one likes to”, is what the day is all about.

“For me, the day means a group of us getting together and going hiking. The celebrations for the ‘Independence Day’ is very different from region to region and country to country,” she says. She adds that the day would also see people sporting outfits in red, blue and white.

“People wear flag pins, special flag hats and even silly sunglasses with the ‘stars and stripes’ on them, which represents the American flag. They also dress up for parties in these three colours,” she details.

She adds that she and John will be going for the July 4 event at JW Marriott, where there will be other expatriates too. “That would give us a chance to quiz each other and know more about the places they come from.”

Food is also an important part of the day. Sherry Walter, who is from Seattle, Washington says, “We usually dig into corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes, grilled chicken, lemonade, iced tea, beer, homemade icecream and brownies”.

“Grilling outside, fireworks and parades come to my mind when I think of the fourth of July. Everything else is put aside and everyone just celebrates,” says Sherry.

She adds that “We celebrate the freedom of the country. It is also about celebrating each one of us She plans to be with the family and celebrate the day with other expatriates at one of the gatherings.

Veronica Buffey, a student, who hails from San Francisco, California, says that “the day is a big party”, back home.

“Most people indulge in tricolours — from clothes, to delicacies. There’s cookies and even drinks in tricolours that are spread out,” she says.

Veronica recollects that her grandmother would narrate stories about the day, as heard from her forefathers. “But nowadays, people rarely talk about this. It is more about enjoying the sales or discounts. It’s all about the three F’s — Food, family and fireworks,” she concludes.