US celebrates Independence Day

Watch Video>>

Saturday marked the 233rd Independence Day in the United States. Americans nationwide celebrated the holiday with parades and activities.

A child waits for lunch at an Independence Day picnic in Denver,  Colorado. Fireworks lit up the skies across the United States, as  Americans commemorated the nation's 233rd anniversary with  barbecues, live music and other festivities. (AFP/Getty Images/John Moore)

In the US capital, the Independence Day celebrations started in front of the National Archives with a ceremony commemorating the Declaration of Independence.

Three actors playing Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, presented the historical document.

Then came the highlight of the celebration, a traditional parade along the famous Constitution Avenue, which drew thousands of people from across the country.

"We are glad to be here to see the parade...."

"This is a year of change...."

However, because of the financial crisis, this year's Independence Day holiday means some people have had to scale down their itineraries or plan their trips in advance in order to save money.

"Some people may not come because of financial problems. But if you know you gonna go, you gonna plan ahead....."

Independence Day is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July the 4th, 1776.