Alexandria, Virginia celebrated its 275th birthday with a party for the entire city

Birthday PartyPhoto byMorgan LaneonUnsplash

According to The Washington Post, one Virginia town has celebrated its birthday since 1899.

Alexandria, Virginia doesn't just celebrate milestone birthdays. Instead, the historic city celebrates its birthday every year.

Alexandria's 275th birthday

CupcakesPhoto byLottie GriffithsonUnsplash

Alexandria celebrated its 275th birthday on Saturday evening, July 13, 2024, with the entire town on its guest list, 3,000 cupcakes, fireworks, and musical performances.

Thousands of people gathered at Oronoco Bay Park with lawn chairs, picnic blankets, birthday balloons, and everything else to enjoy Alexandria’s birthday celebration. Along the park was an expansive choice of food trucks, vendors, and arts and crafts. Attendees were given “ALX 275” cone birthday hats and sunglasses for the party.

FreworksPhoto byArthur ChauvineauonUnsplash

This year's event ended like other birthday celebrations over the years. A grand fireworks finale filled the sky as U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery cannons launched.

Reactions from Alexandria natives

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said:

“It’s like a giant family reunion for our community. It’s the Alexandria family, and that is what makes it so much fun.”

Alexandria native 83-year-old Teddy McBay and her husband, Jerry File McBay, 84, have attended the celebrations for over 30 years and have watched them grow.

Teddy McBay said:

“I think it’s a wonderful way for citizens to come out and celebrate being in a democracy and being in a unique town, a port city that is three miles from the nation’s capital.”

Theresa Hernandez, who turned 63 on Thursday, attended the city’s birthday celebration with her family to celebrate her and Alexandria’s birthdays.

To honor the city on its 275th birthday, the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services will plant 275 trees in downtown Alexandria.