We reveal some of the notable upcoming national days – and how to celebrate them in AD.
April 23: St George’s Day, England
The Royal Society of St George in Abu Dhabi is holding a ball to celebrate this event. Commemorating the death of St George in 303AD, the society will be hosting its St George’s Day party on Friday April 25 at the Park Rotana. The evening is a black-tie event with a five-course dinner, a silent auction and some flag-waving singalongs, followed by dancing to DJ Chalkie. There will be a raffle to raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust in the UK and Animal Action Abu Dhabi here in the UAE.
www.rssgauh.com (050 821 3518).
April 27: Freedom Day, South Africa
Celebrating the beginning of equality of voting in 1994, South Africa’s Freedom Day is hosting a conference at the InterContinental. If that’s not your scene, head to Springbok Butchery at Mina Port which is a South African meat market, sure to put a smile on your face. Stills at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island is also celebrating by offering buy-one-get-one-free on South African grape.
www.springbokbutchery.com (02 673 6988).
April 30: Koningsdag, The Netherlands
Known as ‘King’s day’, this holiday celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander. The official date actually falls on April 26, but Le Meridien will be hosting special celebrations on April 30 in its courtyard, with Dutch delicacies including waffles, poffertjes and more. Dutch singer Wilfred Belles is being flown in especially for the event and the Dutch ambassador will be attending. Dress code: orange.
Le Meridien, Al Zahiyah (02 644 6666).
June 2: Festa della Repubblica, Italy
The celebration for Italy’s formation of a republic takes place June 2. The Grand Military puts on a parade in Rome each year. To celebrate the occasion in Abu Dhabi, take yourself to Bocca at The Hilton and enjoy a feast of Italian delights.
The Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road (02 681 1900).
June 12: Philippines Independence Day
Celebrating the separation of the Philippines from Spain in 1898, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s Jing Asia is offering a Filipino spread of food at its buffet for only Dhs185 per person. It’s a great way to enjoy the traditional culture and celebrate this special day.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 3503).
June 12: Russia Day
Enjoy a feast at the Russia Kitchen House Cafeteria (near the Russian Embassy) to mark the day that Russia declared sovereignty in 1990.
Khalifa Street (02 674 4342).
July 14: Bastille Day, France
Le Meridien is hosting French high tea at its Le Bistrot French restaurant to commemorate Bastille Day. Marking the anniversary of the beginning of the French Revolution, it’s named after the 1789 Storming of Bastille. French music and bubbly will be available at this Gallic affair.
Le Meridien, Al Zahiyah (02 644 6666).
More dates for your diary
April 27: Sierra Leone
Marks the date the nation separated from the British monarchy in 1961.
May 3: Poland
Celebrating the formation of the Polish constitution in 1791.
May 14: Paraguay
Independence day, celebrating gaining independence from Spain in 1811.
May 20: Cameroon
While Cameroon has no set date of independence, May 20 is the official public holiday to mark the abolishment of the federal system in 1972, creating a unitary country.
May 25: Jordan
Celebrating independence from the United Kingdom in 1946, this day marks the making of Abdullah I of Jordan, the king.
May 28: Azerbaijan
Celebrating Azerbaijan’s separation from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic (now know as Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia) in 1918.
June 18: Seychelles
The Seychelles became a nation state in 1976, after elections in 1966 and 1970 – separating them from the British Monarchy.
June 23: Luxembourg
This celebrates the birthday of the monarch – which, incidentally, is not the actual date of the monarch’s birthday.
June 25: Croatia Day
Marking the separation from Yugoslavia in 1991, this celebration is known as Statehood Day.
July 1: Rwanda Day
Rwanda celebrates its 1962 separation from Belgium in July each year.
July 5: Algeria
Celebrating the end of the War of Independence between Algeria and France, in 1962.
