Holidays Around The World � Independence Day Around the World

Sri Lanka Independence Day Celebration

Noel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:48:42 +0000

Sri Lanka’s Independence Day: February 4

Independence Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Sri Lanka

February 4 is the official celebration day of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day from the United Kingdom in 1948. It is considered as a major national holiday in the country.

History of Sri Lanka and its Independence

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka or popularly known as Sri Lanka which is located in the Indian Ocean and is a part of South East Asia. Before 1972, the country was known as Ceylon where it has become a colony of British for more than a century.

The Europeans saw a big potential in Sri Lanka as a perfect place for plantation. And during the World War II, it also became one of the most important Allied military bases. Sri Lanka has encountered a lot of National struggles under the British colony but because of the people’s determination to regain freedom, they had fought for their county’s right and on February 4th of 1948, the country has won their independence over the United Kingdom. The country’s first elected Prime Minister was Don Stephen Senananyake.

Sri Lanka Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Independence Day celebration of Sri Lanka has always been observed and regarded as a very special national event celebrated with ceremonies, parades, flag-hoisting, pageants and many other activities organized and funded by national officials and even non-governmental institutions.

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Uruguay celebrates Independence Day

Noel — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:19:53 +0000

Uruguay Independence Day Date: August 25

Uruguay celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

August 25th is celebrated as the Independence Day of Uruguay. Located to the east of Uruguay River, Uruguay got its name because of its geographic location as well as for historic reasons. It’s called Orientals, even though its situated in the Western hemisphere. Uruguay, also known as Banda Oriental, was once the colony of the Spain.

History of Independence Day in Uruguay

A Spanish Navigator, Juan Diaz de Solis from Castille Kingdom, discovered the territory of Uruguay in 1512. Uruguay was initially mainly a Spanish colony. The struggle for the independence of Uruguay began in 1811. With the bravery of the Captain of Blandengues, Jose Gervasio Artigas, who for the first time raised his voice against the Spanish rule, the Birth of the independence struggle in Uruguay took place. The Captain took his army and entered into a battle with the Spanish at the battle of the Las Piedras on the May 18, 1811. The first victory of the captain in this battle against the Spanish, brought strength among the others to wage a war against the Spanish and prepare for similar other movements and battle.

It was on 1816 that the Artigas was finally defeated. In 1821, Banda Oriental was made as the separate province referred as Provincia Cisplatina. After almost four years thirty-three Juan Antonio Lavalleja-led exiles at Buenos Aires returned to Uruguay. Again with the help of the troops of Argentine planned a revolution. This revolution was very inspiring for everyone especially for the Banda Oriental which ultimately made the Uruguay’s independent .It was no more under the control of Portuguese Empire. After three year the Uruguay independence got recognized by Argentine & Brazil in Montevideo Treaty. Thus 25th August was declared as an independence day for the Uruguay.

Independence Day in Uruguay Traditions, Customs and Celebrations

Independence Day signifies that the country is now free and it is no more under the rule of anyone. A feel of freedom is aroused within each and every citizen. It is declared as a national holiday and all the people come together to celebrate this day in a grand way. As this day comes after a lot of struggle and hardship. So undoubted there will be lot of excitement and joy among the people. This day remind the citizens of the Uruguay that it was due to efforts of many that it is free and so they should respect the day.

On this day school, colleges and the working of a country are suspended. The national heroes, who worked hard to make the country independent, are honored, national flag is hoisted, and parade takes place and many more. There are some communities, which makes this day and aims at rising of funds for institutions such as hospitals and rural schools in Australia and Uruguay, many events are organized. It is a night of concerts and fireworks. Thus, this way to help out the needy ones. Every year, people try to make this day very attractive and memorable.

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Maldives Independence Day

Noel — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:30:11 +0000

Maldives Independence Day Date: July 26-27

Independence Day is a public holiday in Maldives.

Maldives is one of the secluded, smallest and poorest islands of Asia. It is present on one of the major and famous marine course of Indian Ocean. Many foreign rulers have ruled on the island like British, Portuguese, Sultans and Dutch. Finally the foreign rule over the island finished on July 26, 1965, that is on this day the island celebrates its Independence Day. This day was the end of the British rule on the island.

Maldives Independence Day History

The island came under the Protectorate of British in 1887. The island and the British agreed on an agreement in which the British agreed that they will not interfere in the internal matter of the island but where the foreign exchange was considered then British are to be involved. In return to this the British assured the island for its protection and security from the colonial invasion. And finally on July 26 Maldives got its Independence.

The history of the island is long. The island has been invaded by lot superpowers and pirates. For 15 long years, the island was under the capture of Portuguese. During these years the island suffered a lot. They were under guerrilla tactics and had poor logistic support. Then the island was invaded by British and ruled for long time. After the World War II many countries got its freedom from British rule but Maldives became its Protectorate. So this way the island was now safe from invasion and had time for growth. And finally in the year 1965 it got its independence.

Maldives Independence Day Traditions and Activities

July 26 is the most important date for Maldives. It is celebrated in a grand way. The Republic Square hosts the celebration and it is marked as one of the national holiday of the Maldives. The day is followed with processions and performances which is a mixture of both traditional values and modern theme. And it ends up with entertaining and fun loving night out. Presidents and all the foreign dignitaries attend this grand event. On this date the event kicks off with march past which is organized by the national Cadet Corps and the National Security Service, which is followed by the modern drills, traditional dance and drills performed by the children and youth of different schools and colleges . The dancers and the children roam about in colorful attires. Celebration is part of all and thus it is celebrated both at national and community level. Every individual celebrates this national holiday.

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Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:09:02 +0000

Independence Day Date: July 4

Independence Day is celebrated throughout the USA as a public holiday.

Independence Day the 4th of July is a federal holiday in the USA. Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence of American colonies from the Kingdom of Great Britain. During the American revolution legal separation occurred on the 4th of July in 1776. A statement of declaration of independence was made by a committee of who Thomas Jefferson was the main author on the 2nd of July 1776. The statement of independence was debated and finally revised on the 4th of July by congress. Ironically the only two men to sign the declaration before becoming president were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson who both died on 4th July 1826 the 50th Anniversary of the United States of America (USA). Both men were the founding fathers of the USA.

As Independence day is in the summer most of the celebrations have a summer theme and most people organise events outside. This is a federal holiday so all of the less essential institutions and organisations are closed. Many political leaders appear at a patriotic event to help the people celebrate the American heritage. Families mainly enjoy the day off from work and school and organise a picnic or barbeque. Others use the day to incorporate a holiday or long weekend. The whole of the USA is decorated with Independence Day flags. streamers, balloons and anything representing the American flag of red white and blue.

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Paraguay Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:08:20 +0000

Paraguay Independence Day Date: May 15

Independence Day is celebrated by Paraguay.

Paraguay celebrates this day of Independence from Spanish rule on May 15 .

Independence Day History

Paraguay created this Independence Day to commemorate the nations statehood from the Spanish in 1811. The first country in the new world behind the U.S. The Spanish withdrew on May 14; however, the Paraguay people celebrate it on May 15.

Paraguay consisted of nomadic tribes famous for their fierce warrior traits. The land was lush and fertile making it easy to live. The Europeans first arrived in the sixteenth century and the settlement of Asuncion the capital was founded by Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinola. The city then became the centre of a Spanish colonial province as well as a primary site for the Jesuit, the largest male order of the Catholic Church.

Many Jesuits work as missionaries or human rights activists and many work in social justice organisations. They were founded and flourished in Eastern Paraguay for 150 years before expulsion by the Spanish crown in 1767. After overthrowing the local Spanish administration Paraguay declared independence in 1811.

Independence Day Traditions and Activities

In the campo area of Paraguay, Independence Day is celebrated with family and friends, often outdoors by having barbecues, playing football, loud music and lots of beer and wine mixed with cola. In the larger towns and cities parades are organised and people eat typical Paraguayan food like Sopa Paraguayan, corn, and other Indian foods as well as the usual drink, mate.

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Gambia Celebrates of Independence Day

Noel — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:18:51 +0000

Independence Day in Gambia: February 18

Independence Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Gambia.

Independence Day is celebrated by the country of Gambia every February 18 to commemorate its sovereignty from the British colonial rule on 1965 from approximately 300 years. It was also on this day on 1965 that the Gambians finally established their own flag and replaced the Union Jack.

History of Gambia’s Independence

England and France, during around the 1800′s constantly battled into dominating the regions Senegal and Gambia Rivers. The Europeans have always been attracted to these great two rivers because of their promising facet when it comes to political and commercial use. At the peak of the 19th century, Gambia was put under the ruling power of Britain. Slave trade became so rampant then and the Gambian people suffered from torture and abuse. Almost 3 million people were victims of this colonial period in which majority were sold to the Arabs and Europeans to become servants and some were kept as prisoners.

It was only on 1807 that the slave trade was finally eradicated all over the territory of Britain except from Gambia which remained under the jurisdiction of the British Governor General until 1888.

After the 2nd World War right after the broad elections, full self-government was granted to Gambia. It was officially proclaimed a legal monarchy within a Commonwealth on February 18, 1965. Five years after its independence, the government passed a new referendum declaring the country as a republic. Prime Minister Dawda Jawara who took the seat on the day of independence became the first president of the republic on 1970.

Gambia’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Gambians never fail to look back to their history and recall their fulfilling past. So each year, the people of Gambia hold several activities and flag hoisting ceremonies to give honor to the day of their independence. They also hold a flag down celebration where the Union Jack is lowered in replacement of the Gambian National flag as a reenactment of the history and educate the young generation.

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