On the 245th anniversary of US Independence Day (4th July), the US Embassy in Madrid is hosting a live stream of a drone light show in Spain’s capital city.
Sadly, due to the ongoing pandemic situation, Independence Day celebrations remain muted. However, there are several special events across Spain to celebrate this important date in the American calendar.
Drone light show in Madrid
This year, the US Embassy in Madrid invites everyone to celebrate the 4th of July with a live streaming show of 150 drones that will fly over the sky of Madrid on Sunday, July 4th from 10:45 pm.
If you’re in Madrid, then look to the skies. If not, you can watch the spectacle on the Embassy’s Facebook account, their YouTube channel and Twitter @usembassymadrid.
Americans in Spain
According to the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE), there are almost 49,000 Americans living in Spain. That’s 0.9% of the total foreign population of Spain.
The most popular places for Americans to settle are the provinces of Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia and Cádiz.
While Independence Day is celebrated across the country, there is a rather special event in the small village of Macharaviaya in Malaga.
Unique Festival for Independence Day
Macharaviaya’s festival is of Tourist Interest according to the Provincial Council of Málaga.
It is a day when the villagers remember the contribution of Bernardo de Gálvez to the American Independence. Born in the village, he led the colonists to victory against the English in Florida at the battle of Pensacola.
At the age of 36, de Gálvez was Governor of Louisiana (1776). His intervention in the War of Independence was considered so decisive he marched alongside George Washington in the victory parade.
The historical-military representations and parades by the Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez and Torrijos 1831 associations are a key part of the festival. There’s also traditional mead liqueur, music, period costume competitions, traditional American barbecues, and fireworks.
Unfortunately, the event on 3rd September is only open to local residents this year due to the Covid situation.
Hopefully, things will be back to normal in 2022, and celebrations will be open for all. Look out for special menus in restaurants, or live music celebrating July 4th.
