26/01/2021
It's Australia Day, sparks are likely to fly, and not just from the fireworks and the traditional barbecues that mark the occasion. Here it's a day of strong passions, but how do other nations celebrate their national days?
Almost every country in the world observes a national holiday in honor of an important patriotic event, such as the winning of the country's independence. In some countries a national holiday may commemorate the day of liberation, a revolution, or a new constitution or government. In others it may take place on the ruler's birthday.
German Unity Day
October 3 marks the reunification of Germany in 1990. For nearly 30 years, East and West Germany were divided. This national holiday in Germany celebrates the two sides joining back together.
Hari Merdeka
This national day of Malaysia takes place on August 31. It marks Malaysia's independence from British colonial rule and the formation of Malaysia itself.
Independence Day
The Fourth of July is the holiday when Americans celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. It commemorates the day in 1776 when the American colonists declared their independence from Great Britain. By adopting the Declaration of Independence, the Second Continental Congress announced to the world that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states."
The first celebration of American independence took place on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia. The ceremony began with a public reading of the Declaration outside the State House (now called Independence Hall). That evening, Philadelphians celebrated with bonfires, a parade, and the firing of cannons.
Veterans Day
Celebrated on November 11, this day honors U.S. soldiers in all wars. Canada honors its soldiers on the same date. The holiday in Canada is known as Remembrance Day.
St Patrick's Day, Ireland
Dress up in green, dye your hair, paint your face, join a parade dressed as a leprechaun and drink lots and lots of green ale – you have to hand it to the Irish, March 17, St Patrick's Day, is a day of rollicking good fun. To be fair though, it's only in the past couple of decades that St Patrick's Day has come home to Ireland. For far longer it's been a day for expats who trace their ancestral roots to the Emerald Isle to remember their ancestors, especially where they form significant minorities such as in the US and Australia. It's also one of the few days when publicans are thankful for saintly influence.
