The Edgartown Fourth of July parade roared back Monday after a two-year hiatus, with Island institutions turning out in the historic Vineyard tradition.

Martha’s Vineyard marked the national holiday Monday with parades large and small, in a return to well-loved traditions.

For locals and visitors alike, the Fourth of July is a cornerstone of summer on the Vineyard. This year Island businesses and town officials are set to see the celebrations roar back into action.

The Fourth of July weekend in Oak Bluffs was a big mess last year, everyone said.

There was too much traffic. An ambulance couldn’t get through a street crowded with people. There were clashes between cultures and, when people talked about the weekend later, blatant racism.

Bob Holland of Oak Bluffs stayed home, but he heard all about it. And he sees no reason why all these people shouldn’t enjoy Oak Bluffs on its biggest holiday weekend.

So this year, he will be there to help with other members of the new Martha’s Vineyard Million Man Association.

Oak Bluffs is the place to be for the Fourth of July weekend.

That’s always been the case, according to many residents, and now they have one more reason to think so.

This weekend, the community will conduct its First Annual Juneteenth Day of Independence, a Multicultural Celebration. Events include a beach concert Friday and a dance Saturday. Both nights will feature live music, plenty of food and several vats of non-alcoholic ginger beer.

And townspeople are predicting great success.

There were no fireworks sparkling over the Edgartown Lighthouse this Fourth of July, no ocean of pastel-colored onlookers or parade of floats festooned with American flags. But there were private fireworks. There were plenty of flags. And there was a parade of traffic in the usual hot spots.

Martha’s Vineyard celebrated the Fourth of July with quiet celebrations in the morning, and later in the day on the water and at the shore. The holiday was muted this year.

For many Americans of color, the Fourth of July has meant something different. In a morning conversation at Inkwell Beach, three Polar Bears reflect.

With the Fourth of July parade and fireworks cancelled, downtown Edgartown won’t be the same this weekend. A handful of smaller events are planned.