Commonwealth Day is a day to recognize the membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, its shared values with other member states, and its commitment to democracy, development, and international cooperation.

When is Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day is celebrated annually on the second Monday of March.

The following is the list of Commonwealth Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Commonwealth Day?

While it is not a public holiday in most member states, Commonwealth Day is a day of symbolic unity and reflection on global challenges, particularly among countries formerly part of the British Empire.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire. It includes both monarchies and republics, and spans Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.

The association is based on shared values such as democracy and good governance, sustainable development, and human rights and cultural diversity.

Empire Day was the forerunner of Commonwealth Day, first introduced in 1902 to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria (May 24) and to promote unity across the British Empire. It became a regular observance in schools and colonies, often featuring parades, patriotic songs, and speeches about the Empire's role.

In 1958, after decolonization began and the British Empire evolved into the Commonwealth, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day.

In 1977, at the suggestion of Canada, Commonwealth Day was moved from May 24 to the second Monday in March.

This new date had no historical significance, but was chosen for practical reasons, such as better weather for events in the Southern Hemisphere and a desire for a neutral, unifying calendar day.