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10 national days around the world and how they are celebrated, from USA’s fireworks to kites in India to flirting in France, and beyond

China’s National Day is commemorated with parades, flag-waving and fireworks. Other countries celebrate theirs in a variety of ways, some of them quirky

In France, firefighters’ balls are held on Bastille Day. The Liechtenstein royal family hosts a National Day garden party, and Indonesians climb poles

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In Thailand, December 5 marks the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and also the National Father’s Day. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 5:15pm, 30 Sep 2023

China’s National Day every October 1 launches a week of parades and parties, flag-waving and fireworks to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China, much as other, similar dates have deep significance for nations around the world.

Here are some of the other public holidays that mark historical milestones – from declarations of independence and anniversaries of statehood, to the honouring of one beloved monarch and the overthrowing of another.

Thailand

Thailand is the only country that combines national day celebrations with Father’s Day. The Southeast Asian nation does not have an independence day, as it was never colonised, but the Thais did have a monarch whom they treated with deep reverence and admiration.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years, from 1946 until his death, in 2016, played a significant role in Thailand’s modern history and was regarded as the Father of the Nation.

Consequently, December 5 is a day for Thais to show love and respect for their own fathers, as well as honouring the late king on the anniversary of his birthday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag to mark the country’s Independence Day in New Delhi on August 15, 2022. Photo: AFP

India and Pakistan

India’s Independence Day falls on August 15 for an unusual reason. Lord Mountbatten, the last British viceroy of India, considered it his lucky day, as it was the anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese Army in 1945, and the end of World War II.