Gibraltar National Day 2022: History, Significance and Celebrations

Gibraltar National Day is the official national day of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar and is observed annually on September 10th.

Gibraltar National Day is an annual celebrations which occured on 10th September in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. 

This day commemorates and celebrates the referendum of 1967 in which the Gibraltarians overwhelmingly voted to remain under British sovereignty. 

It happened because the Spain demanded control over Gibraltar as earlier they were used to be part of the Spain and so as a proposal of de-colonization they demanded that Gibraltar should be given back to them. But citizens of Gibraltar decided to remain British this ending the debate over it. 

Event Gibraltar National Day
Date September 10, 2022
Day Saturday
Significance celebrates the 1967 referendum, in which a resounding majority of Gibraltarians chose to remain under British rule
Observed by Gibraltar

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Gibraltar National Day History: 

In 711 A.D., the Moors conquered Gibraltar. Its name comes from a Spanish translation of an Arabic name given to the region during the conquest. But then the Moors were finally expelled from this territory by Spain in 1462 and came back under Spanish sovereignty. 

During the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704, Anglo-Dutch armies conquered Gibraltar from Spain on behalf of the Habsburg claim to the throne of Spain. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht gave the control over the area to Great Britain. And since then it has remained under British sovereignty till today. 

However this treaty was rejected by the Spanish government and they demanded that Gibraltar should be given back to them. And still today Spain claims Gibraltar to some extent but the relationship between Spain and Britain are not actually bitter today and everything is being discussed diplomatically only. 

In response to the Spanish claims, on September 10, 1967, a sovereignty referendum was held in Gibraltar, in which voters were asked whether they wanted to pass under Spanish sovereignty or continue under British sovereignty with self-government institutions. The result was overwhelmingly in favor of remaining under British dominion, with 99.64 % voting yes.

Then in order to generate popular support for self-determination, the first National Day was held at John Mackintosh Square (the Piazza) on 10 September 1992 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the day the 1967 sovereignty referendum was held on.

Gibraltar National Day Significance: 

Today Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It has an area of 6.7 km (2.6 sq mi) and is bordered to the north by Spain. And has a small population of only about 34,000 people. 

But it is still strategically very important for Britain as it gives a direct access of Africa to the British as just on the other edge there is Morocco located so it is strategically very important for Britain for their security and that's why this small piece of land had always been contested. And that's why the importance of this day even increases as it also celebrates the people loyalty towards the nation. 

As Gibraltar had been a part of Britain from long time and the official language  of the territory is also English with very few people who are Spanish speakers although the majority population here are still Gibraltarians and not British or English but still they decided to remain British ignoring the Spanish and events like this instills the faith of people towards the nation. 

Along with all the strategic importance of Gibraltar to Britain this Day also celebrates the people of Gibraltar and this day reassures them that their voices will always be heard. And it also celebrates Gibraltarian culture as a important part of Britain culture as it adds to the diversity of the country. 


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Gibraltar National Day Celebrations: 

The official Gibraltar National Day celebrations begin with a children’s fancy dress competition held at the lobby of the Parliament building in Main Street followed by a street party at John Mackintosh Square where food and drink stalls are set up providing Gibraltarian food such as calentita and many more. 

The primary event of the day is the Freedom of the City Ceremony, during which the Mayor reads the Gibraltar National Day Declaration to the people. He then recites the names of the winners of the Gibraltar Medallion of Honor and then presents them with honor and prizes. 

Earlier thousands of balloons were used to release on this Day representing the population of Population and this tradition was started in 1992 but it was ended in 2016 because of bad affect of it to environment. In the meantime, the school choir leads the general public in the singing of the Gibraltar Anthem.

Live music, aerial displays, and family fun activities along with many other activities are all part of the official ceremonies on this Gibraltar National Day. A fireworks display which is released from the Gibraltar harbour and a rock performance at the evenings and nights makes this festival even more shiny and memorable. 

Most Searched FAQs on National Gibraltar Day: 

1. When is Gibraltar National Day is celebrated? 

Gibraltar National Day is annually celebrated on 10th September. 

2. Do Gibraltarians speaks English? 

English is the official language in Gibraltar. It is the language adopted by schools and the government.

3. Is Gibraltar a free country? 

Gibraltar is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and is self-governing in all matters but defense and foreign affairs. 

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