Editing Block party (section)

===United States===
[[File:Mifflin Street Block Party.png|thumb|right|People and police officers at the [[Mifflin Street Block Party]] in [[Madison, Wisconsin]] in 2007]]
[[File:OakFoodAndDrums.JPG|thumb|right|Musicians performing at a block party on Oak Street in [[New Orleans]] in 2009.]]
Block parties are reported as a [[World War I]] innovation originating from the East Side of [[New York City]], where an entire block was insulated and patriotic songs sung, and a parade held to honor the members of that block who had gone off to war.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNamara |first=Christian |date=2019-02-08 |title=Rock the Block |url=https://www.frontporchrepublic.com/2019/02/rock-the-block/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Front Porch Republic |language=en-US}}</ref> Traditionally, many inner city block parties were actually held illegally, because they did not file for an event permit from the local authorities. However, police turned a blind eye to them.

In the [[United States]], block parties usually occur on holidays such as [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] and [[Memorial Day]]. Some towns may also have an annual block party.

Block parties gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, particularly within the [[hip hop culture|hip hop community]]. Block parties were usually outside on the street, and the DJs powered their [[sound reinforcement system|sound system]]s using streetlights, as referenced in the song "South Bronx" by [[KRS-One]]. They became an integral part of urban American life, fostering local identity and creating a sense of belonging among residents. These gatherings provided opportunities for residents to socialize, share food, and enjoy music in public spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Briana A. |title=How Hip-Hop Was Born 50 Years Ago in a Block Party in the Bronx |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-the-block-party-became-an-urban-phenomenon-180980560/ |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=Hip Hop History: From the Streets to the Mainstream |url=https://www.iconcollective.edu/hip-hop-history?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.iconcollective.edu |language=en}}</ref>

Sometimes, the occasion may be a theme, such as a recent popular film or "welcome to our town" for a new family. Often block parties involve barbecues and lawn games such as [[Simon says]], [[karaoke]], and group dancing such as the [[electric slide]], the [[Macarena (song)|Macarena]], or [[line dancing]]. In many small towns, local firefighters may also participate in the party, bringing out trucks that are displayed for show.