The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and, of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Massive fireworks lit up the skyline of multiple American cities, marking festivities across the country.

Displays of patriotism were evident at parades and hot dog eating contests, even at a time of deep political divisions among Americans.

The Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American with parades, backyard barbecues and the night sky lit up with fireworks.