Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and which is marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth High Commissioners in London. The Queen delivers an address to the Commonwealth which is broadcast throughout the world on the BBC.

While it has a certain official status, Commonwealth Day is not a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries and there is very little public awareness of it.

History

After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, her birthday May 24 was made an annual commemoration known as Empire Day. In 1958 Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day, and from 1977 it has been celebrated on the second Monday in March rather than in May.

Other holidays

Although Commonwealth Day is not widely known, many Commonwealth countries do have at least one public holiday that commemorates monarchist traditions.

In Australia and New Zealand and some other countries, there is a Queen's Birthday holiday.

In Canada, the Monday on or before May 24 is still a public holiday known as Victoria Day.

In various other member states of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March. In some countries, such as Belize, it is a public holiday. In 2005, this will be March 14.

Traditions

In England making pictures out of sugar is a well known way of celebrating Commonwealth Day.

External links

• Commonwealth Day official website
• The Commonwealth Secretariat official website