National day


A national day is a day on which celebrations mark the nationhood of a nation or state. It may be the date of independence, of becoming a republic, or a significant date for a patron saint or a ruler. The national day is often a public holiday. Many countries have more than one national day.

List of national days

Nations that are not broadly recognized sovereign states are shown in pink. For nations that are dependent on, or part of, a sovereign state, the name of the sovereign state is shown in parentheses.
Days that are not fixed to the Gregorian calendar are sorted by their 2019 occurrences.
NationDateNational Day
19 AugustIndependence from United Kingdom control over Afghan foreign affairs in 1919.
28 NovemberAlbanian Flag Day: Raising of the Albanian flag in Vlorë to announce the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912
15 DecemberHomecoming Day, the return of the Islanders after the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II 1945
1 NovemberStart of the War of Independence in 1954
5 JulyIndependence Day in 1962
17 AprilUS Flag Day, commemorates the date American Samoa became a US territory and first flew the US flag in 1900, as well as the date of adoption of the American Samoan flag in 1960.
8 SeptemberOur Lady of Meritxell Day, patron saint of Andorra, signing of the Paréage of Andorra 1278
11 NovemberIndependence from Portugal in 1975
30 MayAnguilla Day; the beginning of the Anguillian Revolution in 1967
1 NovemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1981
23 AprilSt. George's Day, patron saint of Aragon and his Crown. An XIII legend holds that during the battle of Alcoraz in 1096, Saint George appeared in support of Aragonese army force.
25 MayFirst National Government, the Spanish viceroy is removed and replaced by the Primera Junta during the May Revolution in 1810
9 JulyDeclaration of Independence, from Spain in 1816
28 MayRepublic Day, independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic 1918
21 SeptemberIndependence from the Soviet Union recognised in 1991
18 MarchFlag Day; adoption of the flag in 1976
2nd Saturday in JuneQueen's Official Birthday
26 JanuaryAustralia Day, date of the founding of Sydney, the first European settlement in Australia, 1788
26 OctoberThe Neutrality Constitution of 1955
28 MayRepublic Day, independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic 1918
10 June Azores Day, gaining autonomy from Portugal in 1976.
10 JulyIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1973
16 DecemberCoronation Day of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the first Emir of Bahrain, in 1961
26 MarchIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971
16 DecemberVictory Day, the day the Bangladesh Liberation War ended in 1971
30 NovemberIndependence Day, from the United Kingdom in 1966
3 JulyIndependence Day, liberation of Minsk from German occupation by Soviet troops in 1944
21 JulyNational Day, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld takes the oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831
15 NovemberKing's Feast
10 SeptemberThe Battle of St. George's Caye Day commemorates the battle that occurred in 1798.
21 SeptemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1981
1 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
24 MayOriginally Queen Victoria's birthday; now "Bermuda Day" to celebrate the islands' heritage and culture
17 DecemberUgyen Wangchuck elected hereditary king in 1907
6 AugustProclamation of Republic in 1825
1 MarchDan nezavisnosti; Proclamation of independence from Yugoslavia in 1992
25 NovemberStatehood Day, formation of the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1943
30 SeptemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1966
7 SeptemberDia da Independência, declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822
1 July
23 FebruaryNational Day, celebrating independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, which actually occurred on 1 January
8 May
3 MarchLiberation Day, autonomy within Ottoman Empire in 1878
6 SeptemberUnification Day, unification of the Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885
22 SeptemberIndependence Day, Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908
11 DecemberProclamation of the Republic
1 JulyIndependence from Belgium in 1962
9 NovemberIndependence from France in 1953
20 MayNational Day, creation of a unitary state in 1972
1 JulyCanada Day, creation of a federal Canada from three British colonies in 1867
11 SeptemberNational Day, commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714
5 JulyIndependence from Portugal in 1975
1st Monday in July
1 DecemberMade an autonomous territory within the French Community in 1958
11 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
18 SeptemberThe first Government Junta is created in 1810
People's Republic of China1 OctoberNational Day of the People's Republic of China
Republic of China1 JanuaryFounding Day of the Republic of China, establishment of the Provisional Government in 1912
Republic of China10 OctoberDouble Ten Day commemorating the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that led to abolishment of the monarchy and founding of the Republic in China in 1911
20 JulyDeclaration of independence from Spain in 1810
6 JulyIndependence from France in 1975
Democratic Republic of the Congo30 JuneIndependence from Belgium in 1960
Republic of the Congo15 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
4 AugustSelf-government in free association with New Zealand in 1965
15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
30 MayStatehood Day, multi-party Parliament was constituted in 1990
1 JanuaryLiberation Day, overthrow of the Bautista regime in 1959
20 MayIndependence from the United States in 1902
2 JulyThe first elected island council is instituted in 1954
1 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1960
28 OctoberIndependence from Austria-Hungary in 1918
28 SeptemberCzech Statehood day
7 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
5 June
15 June
27 JuneIndependence from France in 1977
3 NovemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1493
27 FebruaryIndependence from Haiti in 1844
20 MayIndependence from Indonesia in 2002
10 August:es:Primera Junta de Gobierno Autónoma de Quito|Proclamation of independence from Spain in 1809
23 JulyRevolution Day, the revolution of 1952
6 OctoberArmed Forces Day, the beginning of the October War in 1973
15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
23 AprilDay of St. George, patron saint of England. Sometimes proposed as National Day.
12 OctoberIndependence from Spain in 1968
24 MayEritrean People's Liberation Front fighters enter Asmara in 1991 and Eritrea becomes a de facto independent state; United Nations recognizes Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a UN-supervised referendum on nationhood.
24 FebruaryIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Russia in 1918
6 SeptemberIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1968
28 MayDownfall of the Derg Day, the Derg regime is defeated in 1991
9 MayEurope Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration of 1950
14 AugustFalklands Day, first recorded sighting of the islands in 1592
14 JuneLiberation Day, Liberation from Argentinean occupation at the end of the Falklands War in 1982
29 JulyÓlavsøka : opening of the Løgting session
10 OctoberFiji Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1970
6 DecemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Russia in 1917
11 JulyFeestdag van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Battle of the Golden Spurs on 11 July 1302.
2 AprilPascua Florida is day or week celebrating the founding of Florida by Juan Ponce de León on 2 April 1513.
14 JulyBastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789
27 SeptemberFrench Community Holiday
10 JuneAbolition of slavery day
29 JuneInternal Autonomy day
17 AugustIndependence from France in 1960
18 FebruaryIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1965
26 MayDay of First Republic, declaration of independence from Russia in 1918
3 OctoberGerman Unity Day, unification of West Germany and East Germany in 1990
15 NovemberDay of the German-speaking Community
6 MarchIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1957
10 SeptemberGibraltar National Day, people of Gibraltar vote to reject Spanish sovereignty or association in 1967
25 MarchGreek Independence Day, start of the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821
28 OctoberOhi Day, rejection of the Italian ultimatum of 1940
21 June The National Day was introduced in 1983 as one of the Home Rule's traditions and is thus one of several expressions of national identity
7 FebruaryIndependence from United Kingdom in 1974
27 Mayabolition of slavery day
21 JulyLiberation Day, American landing on Guam 1944, the beginning of the Battle of Guam
15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
2 OctoberIndependence from France in 1958
24 SeptemberDeclaration of independence from Portugal in 1973
23 FebruaryMashramani, declaration of the Republic in 1970
1 JanuaryDeclaration of independence from France in 1804
9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
1 JulyTransfer of sovereignty to the PRC in 1997
15 March1848 Revolution memorial day
20 AugustSt. Stephen's day
23 October1956 Revolution memorial day
17 JuneNational Day, founding of the Republic and dissolution of the personal union with Denmark in 1944
26 JanuaryRepublic Day, adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950
15 AugustIndependence from the British Empire in 1947
17 AugustProclamation of Independence day from Japan and the Netherlands in 1945
11 FebruaryVictory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979
1 AprilIslamic Republic Day, the proclamation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
3 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1932
17 MarchSt. Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland
5 JulyTynwald Day, annual meeting of the Tynwald
5 IyarYom Ha'atzmaut, proclamation of independence from the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948
25 AprilPartisans liberate Genoa, Milan, and Turin from German troops in 1945
2 JuneFesta della Repubblica, Italy is made a republic in 1946
1st Monday in AugustIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1962
11 FebruaryNational Foundation Day, Jimmu, the first emperor, is crowned in 660 BC
23 FebruaryThe Emperor's Birthday in 1960
9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
25 MayIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1946
30 AugustConstitution Day, approval of the constitution in 1995
16–17 DecemberKazakhstan Independence Day, independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
12 DecemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1963;, made a republic in 1964
12 JulyIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1979
17 FebruaryIndependence Day, 2008
21 MarchNowruz, Persian New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox
25 FebruaryNational Day, anniversary of the 1950 coronation of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, who won Kuwait's independence from the British Empire eleven years later
26 FebruaryLiberation Day
31 AugustIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
2 DecemberNational Day, declaration of the People's Republic in 1975
18 NovemberProclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia, independence from the Russian Empire in 1918
25 MayResistance and Liberation Day from Israel in 2000
22 NovemberLebanese Independence Day from France in 1943
4 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1966
26 JulyProclamation of the Republic: independence from the United States in 1847
17 FebruaryStart of the 2011 Revolution
1 SeptemberProclamation of the Libyan Arab Republic, commemorates the al-Fateh Revolution of 1969.
15 AugustFeast of the Assumption and birth of Prince Franz Joseph II in 1906
16 FebruaryLithuanian State Reestablishment Day, declaration of independence from the Russian and German Empires in 1918
6 JulyStatehood Day, establishment of the medieval Lithuanian kingdom by Mindaugas in 1253.
23 JuneGrand Duke's Official Birthday
20 DecemberTransfer of sovereignty to the PRC in 1999
26 JuneIndependence from France in 1960
1 JulyMadeira Day, day of autonomy within Portugal in 1976
6 JulyIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1964; declaration of the Republic in 1966
31 AugustHari Merdeka, independence from the United Kingdom in 1957. Also known as Hari Kebangsaan in Malay.
16 SeptemberMalaysia Day, merger of Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia, accompanied by the change of name of the former, in 1963.
26 JulyIndependence from the British Empire in 1965
22 SeptemberIndependence from the Mali Federation in 1960
31 MarchFreedom Day, withdrawal of British troops from Malta in 1979
7 JuneSette Giugno, bread riot of 1919 in which 4 Maltese men died
8 SeptemberVictory Day, celebrating the victory of the Knights of St. John over the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the end of the French occupation in 1800, and the surrender of Italy to the Allies in 1943
21 SeptemberIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
13 DecemberRepublic Day, adoption of the republican constitution of 1974
1 MayConstitution Day, adoption of the Compact of Free Association in 1979
22 MayAbolition of slavery day
28 NovemberIndependence from France in 1960
12 MarchIndependence Day - Independence from the United Kingdom in 1968; formation of the Republic in 1992
27 AprilAbolition of slavery day
16 SeptemberGrito de Dolores, beginning of the War of Independence from Spain in 1810
3 NovemberIndependence from the US-administered UN Trusteeship in 1979
21 AprilHanging of Tiradentes in 1792
16 JulyElevation of the village of Mariana to the condition of city.
27 AugustIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
19 NovemberAccession of Prince Albert II to the throne in 2005
11 JulyNaadam Holiday, establishment of independence from China and Russia in 1921
26 NovemberNational Foundation Day, adoption of the Constitution of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924
21 MayIndependence from Serbia and Montenegro in 2006
13 Julyrecognised as independent at the Congress of Berlin in 1878
2nd Saturday in JuneQueen's Official Birthday
18 NovemberAccession of Muhammad V to the throne in 1927
25 JuneIndependence from Portugal in 1975
4 JanuaryIndependence from the British Empire in 1948
21 MarchIndependence from South Africa in 1990
31 JanuaryIndependence from the Australia, NZ, and UK-administered UN trusteeship 1968
25 SeptemberUnification of Nepal was done by Prithivi Narayan Shah in 1768.
15 DecemberKingdom day, signing of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands 1954
27 AprilKing's Day, King Willem-Alexander's birthday in 1967
5 MayLiberation Day, end of German occupation in 1945
6 FebruaryWaitangi Day, signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840
15 SeptemberIndependence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821
18 DecemberRepublic Day, made an autonomous state within the French Community in 1958
29 MayDemocracy Day, return to democratic rule in 1999
1 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1960; formation of the Republic in 1963
19 OctoberSelf-government in free association with New Zealand in 1974
8 JuneBeginning of permanent settlement of the island by migrants from the Pitcairn Islands in 1856
9 SeptemberDay of the Foundation of the Republic in 1948
10 OctoberParty Foundation Day in 1945
2 AugustRepublic Day, proclamation of statehood in 1944 and proclamation of Kruševo Republic in 1903 during the Ilinden Uprising
8 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
Northern Ireland 17 MarchSt. Patrick's Day; a public holiday sometimes associated with Irish nationalism
Northern Ireland 12 July"The Twelfth" commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690; a public holiday associated with Ulster unionism
8 JanuaryCommonwealth Day, the constitutional government takes office in 1978
17 MayConstitution Day, the signing of the first Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll 1814
18 NovemberNational Day of Oman, independence from Portugal in 1650 and the 1940 birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said who reigned 1970–2020
23 MarchPakistan Day, the Pakistan Resolution passed in Lahore in 1940
14 AugustIndependence Day, independence from the British Empire in 1947
9 JulyConstitution Day, adoption of the Constitution in 1980
15 NovemberDeclaration of Independence in 1988
3 NovemberSeparation Day, independence from Colombia in 1903
16 SeptemberIndependence from Australia in 1975
14 MayIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Spain in 1811
28 July:es:Declaración de Independencia del Perú|Declaration of independence from Spain in 1821
12 JuneAraw ng Kalayaan, declaration of independence from Spain in 1898
2nd Saturday in JuneQueen's Official Birthday
3 MayŚwięto Konstytucji, adoption of the Constitution of 1791
22 JulyNarodowe Święto Odrodzenia Polski, commemorates the signing of PKWN Manifesto. This holiday existed under communist rule from 1944 to 1989.
11 NovemberŚwięto Niepodległości, restoration of independence from Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia in 1918
10 JunePortugal Day, officially the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, death of national poet Luís de Camões in 1580
25 JulyConstitution Day, establishment of Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1952; formerly Invasion Day, day of the American invasion in 1898
18 DecemberQatar National Day, the assumption of power by Emir Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878
24 JuneSaint-Jean-Baptiste Day, feast day of John the Baptist, the patron saint of French Canadians
24 JanuaryUnification of the Romanian Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, the foundation of modern Romania in 1859
1 DecemberGreat Union Day, unification with Transylvania in 1918
12 JuneRussia Day, Declaration of State Sovereignty in 1990
1 JulyIndependence from Belgium in 1962
20 DecemberAbolition of slavery day
3 December
2nd Saturday in JuneQueen's Official Birthday
19 SeptemberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1983
13 DecemberFeast day of Saint Lucy, after whom the island was named
22 FebruaryIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
27 OctoberIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
1 JuneIndependence Day, independence from New Zealand in 1962
3 SeptemberFoundation of the city by Marinus in year 301 ; also is the St. Marinus Day.
28 AprilSardinian revolution and expulsion of Piedmontese Viceroy and Sardinian-Piedmontese officials from Cagliari, capital and largest city of Sardinia
9 JulyConstitutionalist Revolt against Vargas Regime in 1932
9 MayLiberation Day, the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands in 1945
23 SeptemberSaudi National Day, renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932
30 NovemberDay of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland
4 AprilIndependence from France in 1960
15 FebruaryStatehood Day, the beginning of the Serbian Revolution against Ottoman rule in 1804; adoption of the first constitution in 1835
18 JuneNational Day, adoption of a multi-party democratic constitution in 1993
27 AprilRepublic Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1961
9 AugustNational Day, independence from Malaysia in 1965
11 NovemberSint Maarten's Day
1 JanuaryIndependence Day, independence from Czechoslovakia in 1993
29 AugustSlovak National Uprising Day, start of a Slovak uprising against Nazi Germany in 1944
1 SeptemberConstitution Day, adoption of the Constitution in 1992
25 JuneStatehood Day, declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
25 OctoberSovereignty Day, withdrawal of the last soldier of the Yugoslav People's Army from the Slovenian territory in 1991
26 DecemberIndependence and Unity Day, declaration of the results of the Slovenian independence referendum in 1990
7 JulyIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1978
1 JulyIndependence from Italy and unification with Somaliland in 1960
18 MayDeclaration of independence from Somalia in 1991
26 JuneIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1960
27 AprilFreedom Day, first democratic general election in 1994
2nd Saturday in JuneLiberation from Argentina at the end of the Falklands War in 1982 and Queen's Official Birthday
1 MarchDeclaration of independence from the Empire of Japan in 1919
15 AugustLiberation from Japanese rule in 1945 ; declaration of the Republic in 1948
3 OctoberGaecheonjeol, ancient Korea founded in 2333 BC
9 JulyIndependence Day, independence from Sudan in 2011
12 OctoberFiesta Nacional de España, Columbus discovery of America in 1492
4 FebruaryIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 under the name of Ceylon
9 JanuaryProclamation of the Republic, independent of Bosnia and Herzegovina and part of Yugoslavia, in 1992
1 JanuaryIndependence from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Egypt in 1956
25 NovemberIndependence Day, independence from the Netherlands in 1975
6 JuneNational Day: election of Gustav Vasa as King of Sweden in 1523; adoption of the constitutions of 1809 and 1974
1 AugustNational Day, alliance between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden against the Holy Roman Empire in 1291
17 AprilEvacuation Day, end of French colonial rule in 1946
12 JulyIndependence from Portugal in 1975
9 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
26 AprilUnion Day, Unification of Tanganyika and the People's Republic of Zanzibar in 1964
30 AugustDeclaration of independence from the RSFSR in 1990
2 MarchIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Mexico in 1836.
5 DecemberBirthday of Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927
27 AprilIndependence from the French-administered UN trusteeship in 1960
4 JuneEmancipation Day abolition of serfdom 1862; independence from the United Kingdom 1970
4 NovemberNational Day 1875
2 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Moldova in 1990
31 AugustIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
2nd Saturday in JuneQueen's Official Birthday
20 MarchDeclaration of independence from France in 1956
29 OctoberRepublic Day, adoption of a republican constitution in 1923
27 OctoberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
30 AugustConstitution Day, adoption of a constitution in 1976
1 OctoberIndependence Day, independence from the Gilbert Islands in 1975 and from the United Kingdom in 1978
9 OctoberIndependence from the United Kingdom in 1962
24 AugustIndependence from the Soviet Union in 1991. See Independence Day of Ukraine
2 DecemberNational Day, formation of the federation of seven emirates on independence from the United Kingdom in 1971
2nd Saturday in JuneDoes not have a recognized national day, although the Queen's Official Birthday is sometimes considered as such, for example, in British diplomatic institutions overseas
4 JulyIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776
31 MarchTransfer Day, transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917
25 AugustDía de la Independencia, declaration of independence from Brazil in 1825
1 SeptemberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
30 JulyIndependence Day, independence from the United Kingdom and France in 1980
11 FebruaryFoundation of Vatican City, signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929
5 JulyIndependence Day, declaration of independence from Spain in 1811
2 SeptemberNational Day, declaration of independence from France and Japan in 1945
1 MarchSt. David's Day, feast day of patron saint of Wales
third Sunday of SeptemberDay of the Walloon Region
22 MayUnity Day, North and South Yemen are unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990
24 OctoberIndependence Day, declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
18 AprilGranting of independence by the United Kingdom in 1980; it had previously declared independence as Rhodesia on 11 November 1965