Happy Fourth - and 14th, and 19th

Across America today, as barbecues and fireworks alight, we might take a moment to consider our revelries are not unique.

Sure, democracy may look different (or not so different) elsewhere, for now. True freedom evolves slowly, especially on the heels of autocratic or oppressive rule. Still, man's independent spirit thrives and with annual waving of flags across the globe, even in July.

The French helped us fight for ours, gave us the Statue of Liberty, and held their own revolution on the 14th of July 1789. "Bastille Day" looks a lot like the 4th, with military parades, fireworks and picnics. Paris holds a public "Fire Man's Ball," opera and museum entries - all free. Normally, you need $20 to return a Mona Lisa smile.

Speaking of things French, Algeria celebrates tomorrow their independence won from France July 5, 1962. Laos the same, on July 19, 1942. Algeria National Day celebrations have a festive and very green multicultural focus in the splendid African country. In Laos, it's tamer; the still-oppressive government is big on speeches and on parades.

In Colombia, it's July 20, 1810 - their first independent council defying Spanish rule. It took Simon Bolivar and others nine more years to gain true independence, but they celebrate throughout July with street dancing, concerts and carnivals.

Eighteen-ten was a big year. Mexico's red white and green Independence Day is "grito de Dolores" on Sept. 15, 1810. (Not Cinco de Mayo, another victory over France.) Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (from Dolores) gave the famous battle cry for independence - "Viva la Mexico; Viva la independencia!" - which the president repeats at 7 p.m. for the crowds, who say it back. Siestas, commemorative bell ringing and parades follow in the 16th.

On Aug. 14 and 15, respectively, Pakistan and India celebrate independence a lot like we do. They split from under British colonial rule in 1947. Garlic-y naan/flatbread and savory curries sure sound better than boring hot dogs. But I digress.

Israel's day of independence is May 14, 1948, when their state was born. An emotional 12-torch lighting ceremony on Jerusalem's Mt. Herzl honors the ancient 12 Tribes of Israel.

Speaking of ancient, the Greeks really know how to party. They have a two-for-one deal on March 25: Independence Day (from the Ottomans in 1821) and the Greek Orthodox Feast of the Annunciation. Who says religion and politics don't mix? In Greece it lasts all spring, beginning with their Mardi Gras-like "Apokries" and includes Easter, May Day, and a few others. Feasting, festivals, fireworks and fly-overs; dancing, bracelet-making, mobile cheese-eating and confetti-tossing - it all kind of blends together for weeks.

Here's an amusing idea from Greek villages: A twist on the egg toss. The man of the house attaches a boiled egg to the end of a string (don't ask me how) and rhythmically swings it into the open mouths of family members. Try that after a couple of beers.

Sholeh Patrick, J.D., is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].