Better known in Brazil as Sete de Setembro, the Independence Day of Brazil is an annual national public holiday. It commemorates the 1822 date when the Empire of Brazil’s first ruler, Dom Pedro I, proclaimed the independence of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves from the United Kingdom and initiated the Brazilian Empire. The day is celebrated with patriotic displays, military parades and fireworks at night in most Brazilian cities. The national celebration is hosted at the Ministries Esplanade with the president of Brazil present and spearheading the civil military parade.