If you had to sum up the Fourth of July in just a few words, you might say that it’s one of the biggest birthday bashes in the world. If you live outside the U.S., though, you might feel like you’re missing out on all the fun. But don’t worry—even though you might be an ocean away from the land of the free and the home of the brave, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate the Fourth with your friends and family in Madrid.
Food
The Fourth of July and barbecues go hand in hand. Luckily, there’s no shortage of restaurants in Madrid that offer delicious, traditional cookout dishes for any Fourth aficionado.
- New York Burger: This gourmet hamburger joint offers mouth-watering dishes that will get you in the red, white, and blue mood. Try their Queens burger for a classic American taste or get experimental with the Times Square, which is bursting with goat cheese and caramelized onions.
- Burnout: Craving a traditional Fourth of July meal? Kick off the festivities with a stack of Burnout’s delicious French fries and sink your teeth into the Cheezebrgr, which comes topped with their secret sauce. Vegan options are also available.
- Five Guys: To the joy of expats everywhere, this iconic American chain has set up shop in Madrid. Their hamburgers and hot dogs are packed with so much flavor that you’ll be transported stateside after just one bite.
Want to show off your BBQ skills and throw your own Fourth of July cookout? For all your grilling needs, turn to YBY Gear, a Madrid-based company that rents out everything from fire starters to accessories to a range of indoor and outdoor grills. Follow the link to a list of parks where you can host a barbecue party in Madrid.
Entertainment
When you’re not chowing down on a scrumptious burger, embrace the spirit of the Fourth with these fun activities.
- Watch the Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton on Disney Plus and learn about one man’s quest to transform the scrappy thirteen colonies into the United States. Catchy songs and an amazing cast will teach you and your family about the secrets behind some of the country’s most important moments.
- Curate your own Fourth-themed playlist on your favorite music app. Don’t forget to add both timeless classics (“Yankee Doodle,” “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” etc.) and fresh hits (“Party in the U.S.A.,” anyone?).
- Add some star-spangled style to your home decor with patriotic decorations, such as this assortment of paper fans and tassels. You can also get American flag-themed plates and napkins (perfect for a barbecue) and an eye-catching garland that will show everyone just how excited you are for the U.S.’s birthday.
Books
Kids will love these stories about the Fourth, and older readers will have a blast while learning about America’s rich history.
- Toddlers:
- Hello, Fourth of July!: Barbecues, parades, beaches, and fireworks—there’s no better way to spend the Fourth of July! A great way for your littlest readers to learn about the holiday’s most iconic symbols and celebrations.
- Ages 4-7:
- Apple Pie 4th of July: A wonderful story about a Chinese-American girl celebrating the Fourth of July that shows that the United States’ greatest strength is its diversity.
- John, Paul, George, & Ben: Offering a hilarious look at the original Fab Four (sorry, Beatles), John, Paul, George, & Ben will teach your children about the early United States while showing that its heroes were once mischievous kids, too.
- Ages 8-9:
- We the People: The Constitution of the United States: Gorgeous illustrations that trace the Constitution’s impact from its creation to the present day bring this important document to life in We the People.
- Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?: The thirteen colonies are misbehaving, again. What’s a king to do? This book mixes history and humor to teach young readers about the American Revolution from the perspective of King George III.
- 10 and up:
- Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies: The Founding Fathers get most of the credit for, well, founding the United States. But they couldn’t have done it without their fearless countrywomen. Founding Mothers is an illustrated celebration of patriotic girl power, and in the words of First Lady Abigail Adams, it will remind your children to “remember the ladies!”
Crafts
“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave…” As you’ll see, these words inspired just about every Fourth of July craft we’ve rounded up today! Tap into the spirit of Americana with these high-flying activities.
From our La Casita family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Día de la Independencia!