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Get ready to celebrate the British Empire and its history on Empire Day, which falls on May 24! This holiday was first created in 1902 to honor the birthday of Queen Victoria, who played a significant role in expanding the British Empire. Over time, Empire Day evolved into a celebration of all things related to the British Empire and its impact on the world. From cultural traditions to architectural marvels, there's so much to appreciate and commemorate on this day. So let's raise our Union Jack flags high and pay homage to this influential empire!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1902</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Empire Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Empire Day was established to commemorate the birthday of Queen Victoria, a key figure in the expansion of the British Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1911</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Major Empire Day Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Recorded as the first major Empire Day celebration, involving parades, flag-raising ceremonies, school festivals and patriotic songs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Empire Day Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UK Parliament enacts The Empire Day Act, officially recognizing May 24 as a dedicated day to celebrate the British Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Name Change to Commonwealth Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>To keep abreast with changing times, the holiday's name was changed from Empire Day to Commonwealth Day after World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Shift of Commonwealth Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The date for celebration was shifted from May 24th to the second Monday in March, leaving the original date referred to as Empire Day in certain circles.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Resurgence of Empire Day Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Growing interest and nostalgia sees a resurgence in the observance and celebration of Empire Day, particularly within history enthusiast groups.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an Empire themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a fun and festive Empire themed party. Decorate with flags, symbols, and colors representing the Empire and serve traditional dishes from different countries within the former British Empire.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a historical tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the history of the British Empire by taking a tour of historical sites or museums that showcase its impact. This can be a great way to learn more about the history of Empire Day and its significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch an Empire-related movie or TV show</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends or family and watch a movie or TV show related to the British Empire. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate the day and learn more about its history and influence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events in your local area that celebrate the diversity and influence of the British Empire. This can be a great opportunity to learn more about different cultures and traditions within the former Empire.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise a glass to the Empire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather with friends or family and raise a glass to toast the British Empire and its impact on history. This can be a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate Empire Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Empire Day celebrates British heritage and history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Empire Day, we remember and celebrate the contributions of the British Empire to our world. It's a chance to reflect on the rich cultural diversity and historic achievements of this vast empire, and appreciate the impact it has had on our modern society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and pride within the Commonwealth nations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Empire Day is celebrated in many countries that were once part of the British Empire, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This holiday serves as a reminder of the shared history, values, and culture between these nations, promoting unity and a sense of belonging within the Commonwealth community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the impact of colonialism and inspires reflection on its legacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>While Empire Day was originally created to celebrate British imperialism, over time it has evolved to acknowledge the negative impacts of colonialism and imperialism. This day serves as a reminder to reflect on the consequences of these actions and to strive for a more equitable and just world.</p></div></div>
Empire Day is celebrated on May 24th every year. In 2024 Empire Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
May 24
Wednesday
2024
May 24
Friday
2025
May 24
Saturday
2026
May 24
Sunday
2027
May 24
Monday
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