Public holidays in the United Commonwealth

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 This article is part of Altverse II.

There are currently 16 nationally recognized holidays celebrated in the United Commonwealth, as designated in Title V of the Continental Code. These holidays apply to all national government entities, and workers receive paid days off on each of these days. Additionally, a number of republic and city holidays may be observed concurrently with national holidays, and a number of religious holidays are also popular.

National holidays

Date Official Name First Instituted Details
January 1 New Year's Day 28 June 1870 Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Commonly celebrated with the raising of a Near Year's tree in homes and public places, counting down to midnight, and fireworks displays. A live yearly address is also given each year by the General Secretary.
January 15 Equality Day 15 October 1984 Commemorates the nation's civil rights leaders and activists who campaigned for racial equality and harmony.
8 March International Women's Day 8 May 1918 The anniversary of the 1918 Women's March in the prelude to the Continental Revolutionary War. More broadly, this day commemorates the women's liberation movement and the achievements of women. The day is often celebrated as a mix of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
18 April Victory Day 30 May 1938 Commemorates the official end of war with Sierra at the end of Great War I.
1 May International Workers' Day (May Day) 5 February 1918 An international celebration of laborers and the working classes worldwide. Also commemorates the Haymarket Massacre of 1886, which is deemed an important precursor to the Revolution.
30 May Memorial Day 1 August 1888 First declared in the aftermath of the American Civil War and the War of Contingency, this day honors the nation's war dead. Also seen as the unofficial start to summer.
11 June Flag Day 5 May 1951 Celebrates the adoption of the flag of the United Commonwealth, and is generally a holiday associated with patriotism and activism.
19 June Emancipation Day 28 March 1968 Commemorates the anniversary of the emancipation of the last American slaves.
9 August Revolution Day 20 February 1920 Commemorates the beginning of the Continental Revolution and the establishment of the United Commonwealth. Broadly replaced the anniversary of Independence Day.
21 August Constitution Day 16 March 1985 Commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the United Commonwealth constitution.
5 September Veterans Day 30 September 1959 First declared after Great War II, Veterans Day honors all servicemembers of the Continental military and its veterans.
16 September Astronautics Day 12 April 1962 Held on the anniversary of the first man in space, Astronautics Day celebrates the nation's achievements in space exploration and extraterrestrial endeavors.
8 October Indigenous Peoples' Day 5 November 1989 Commemorates and honors the legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the United Commonwealth.
21 October Birthday of Aeneas Warren 31 October 1924 The anniversary of the birth of Aeneas Warren, first leader of the United Commonwealth. Broadly replaced the tradition of Presidents' Day.
8 November Election Day 9 October 1925 Holiday designated for voting, as well as to honor the tradition of democracy.
26 November Thanksgiving 28 June 1870 Celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest.

Footnotes