Welcome, DCist readers!

Every July 4th, DC sports one of the finest fireworks displays in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, that display is NOT visible from the mall and set to the 1812 overture–that show is not too shabby, though.

The REAL show is set to Ludacris, the Game, and any number of other urban favorites blasting out of assorted car stereos throughout Columbia Heights and the remainder of Northwest DC. From where my party stood last night, all we had to do was a quick 180 to see a chaotic and unparalleled inner-city fireworks extravaganza.

Fountains and rockets illuminated the alleys and buildings around us, going off WAY too close to windows and the ground. We could see fiery explosions all over the distant horizon as well–it looked like the end of a movie where a ragtag band of humans finally throws off alien oppression and celebrates wildly in the streets.

Here’s some photos: