Emancipation Day in Tonga
Emancipation Day in Tonga is a deeply meaningful public holiday. It commemorates a monumental reform enacted in 1862 by King George Tupou I, who abolished serfdom and granted freedom and land rights to all commoners. It is one of the most historically significant dates in Tonga’s journey toward becoming a sovereign, modern nation.
Day of La Rioja
The Day of La Rioja commemorates the region’s autonomy and identity, blending political history with cultural pride, traditional festivities, and the celebration of its rich wine and food heritage.
National Day (Portugal)
National Day in Portugal honors Luís de Camões, the 16th-century poet who wrote Os Lusíadas, Portugal's national epic celebrating its Age of Discoveries. The holiday commemorates Portuguese history, culture, and global identity. It also pays tribute to Portuguese communities abroad, reflecting the nation's unity across continents.
King's Birthday (Solomon Islands)
King’s Birthday (formerly Queen’s Birthday) in the Solomon Islands is a national holiday honoring the reigning monarch, currently King Charles III, observed in mid-June with official ceremonies, parades and community celebrations that reflect the country’s Commonwealth ties.
Independence Day (Philippines)
Independence Day in the Philippines commemorates June 12, 1898, when Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, declared independence from Spain. Although sovereignty was delayed until July 4, 1946 due to U.S. and Japanese control, the celebration was moved to June 12 in 1962 to honor the nation’s original fight for freedom and self-determination.
TT Bank Holiday
The TT Bank Holiday, also Senior Race Day, is celebrated on the Isle of Man during the world-famous Tourist Trophy motorcycle races. Held on the final Friday of the event in early June, it gives locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the thrilling Senior TT race and marks the culmination of one of the island’s most important traditions.
San Antonio
San Antonio commemorates St Anthony's death on June 13, 1231. St. Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) was a brilliant Franciscan preacher and miracle worker, canonized less than a year after his death, he is one of the most loved saints in Spain, Portugal, and the Catholic world, invoked especially as the patron saint of lost things and protector of the poor.
King's Birthday (Gibraltar)
King's Birthday in Gibraltar is in honor of the birthday of the reigning British monarch. The day reflects Gibraltar's close ties to the United Kingdom and the Crown's historic role in the territory. The holiday symbolizes loyalty, unity, and tradition, celebrating Gibraltar's connection to the British Commonwealth and its shared royal heritage.
Youth Day (South Africa)
Youth Day in South Africa commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976, when thousands of Black students protested against the apartheid government’s policy of enforcing education in Afrikaans rather than in their native languages.
Independent Day (Iceland)
Celebrated on the birthday of independence leader Jón Sigurðsson, Independent Day marks the founding of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. The day is filled with parades, music, speeches and family festivities, honoring national pride and freedom.
Constitution Day (Seychelles)
Constitution Day in Seychelles marks the 1993 adoption of the constitution, establishing democracy and a multi-party system, celebrated with ceremonies, cultural events and national pride.
Labour Day Trinidad and Tobago
Labour Day in Trinidad and Tobago is a national public holiday. It commemorates the 1937 labour uprising, led by Tubar Uriah "Buzz" Butler, which gave rise to the country’s modern trade union movement.