Didn't they invent fireworks in China? A comparative look at national holidays

As we approach the U.S. national holiday on 4 July, Ken Wedding's wonderful Teaching Comparative blog (linked at side index) has posted about the days compartative states celebrate their national pride.


Nigerian national holiday


Nigeria celebrates the first of October as Independence Day (from United Kingdom, 1960) as a national day and, since the return of democracy in 1999, celebrates Democracy Day on the 29th of May.


There is no work or school on Independence Day. There are special ceremonies at parade grounds that are open to the public.

Chinese national holiday

October 1 is a public holiday in the People's Republic of China. The PRC was founded on October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square. It is celebrated with a variety of government-organized festivities, including fireworks and concerts. Public places, such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing, are decorated in a festive theme.


Fireworks displays are usually held in all cities, including Hong Kong, where a fireworks display to celebrate the National Day of the People's Republic of China has been held since 1997.

British national holiday


The United Kingdom does not have a recognized national day, although the Queen's Official Birthday (which is declared annually, usually falling on a Saturday in the first half of June) is sometimes considered as such.


However, the four constituent nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) all have National Saints' days.

Mexican national holiday


Grito de Dolores (declaration of independence from Spain)....NOT Cinco de Mayo!



Each year on the night of September 15, the President of Mexico rings the bell of the National Palace in Mexico City and repeats a cry of patriotism based upon the "Grito de Dolores," ending with the threefold shout of ¡Viva México!

On the morning of September 16, or Independence Day, the national military parade starts in the Zócalo, passes the Hidalgo Memorial and ends on the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s main boulevard.

Similar celebrations occur in cities and towns all over Mexico.

Russian national holiday

Russia Day

Russia Day, 12 June, celebrates the declaration of sovereignty in 1990, but Russian Army Victory Day (May 9) is still a bigger celebration. It marks the end of World War II and victory over Germany.

Iranian national holiday

10-Day Dawn

Iran recognizes 1 February as the beginning of 10 days of celebrations all across the country known as "10-Day Dawn", which culminate on 11 February, in ceremonies marking the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. (However, in 2010, 11 February was a day of clashes between government forces and protestors in Tehran.)