Holidays on 10th October

Cuba Independence Day

This day commemorates the Anniversary of the beginning of the War of Independence. The “Dia de la Independencia” marks the start of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain in 1868. At the start of the nineteenth century, the Peninsular Wars in Europe resulted in Napoleon’s brother Joseph becoming king of Spain. Feeling no loyalty to this new regime, this galvanised the independence movement in many Spanish colonies in South and Central America. Cuba remained loyal to Spain but as the century went on, so did the enthusiasm for independence and an increasing resentment against the Spanish administration that was felt to be corrupt and repressive. On 10th October 1868, a wealthy sugar mill owner, Carolos Manuel de Cespedes, and his followers proclaimed independence. This became known as the Grito de Yara and marked the start of the The Year’s War. Though this war ended with surrender to the Spanish in May 1878, in the longer term it proved a key event in the country’s struggle for independence, which finally came in December 1898.

Curacao Day

This day marks the island’s anniversary of becoming a country within the Dutch Kingdom on this day in 2010. The country was first visited by the Spanish, but they decided that there wasn’t enough natural resources, but did name the country. The Dutch west India Company claimed the island in 1634, and then imperial struggles in the country meant that it had periods under French adn British control. Dutch control was reinstated in 1815. It became part of the Netherland Antilles in 1954 in an attempt to consolidate the several Dutch colonies in the Caribbean into one country. But there was little enthusiasm from the individual islands, so the dissolution of the Netherland Antilles came into effect on 10th October 2010.

The day has been celebrated since then, replacing both the previous Curacao Day of 26th July and Kingdom Day on 15th December.

Double Ten Day

This is the national day in the Taiwan Area of the Republic of China, commemorating the start of the Wuchang Uprising on this day in 1911, which led to the end of the imperal Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China on 1st January 1912. The National Day is now mainly celebrated in all Republic of China controlled territories, but is also celebrated by many overseas Chinese. The official celebration begins with the raising of the flag in front of the Presidential Office Building, followed by singing on the National Anthem and other celebrations, sometimes including a military parade. There are other traditional Chinese festivities and fireworks displays.

Fiji Day

This day marks the anniversary of Fiji independence from the British in 1970. A different theme is chosen every year. The preceding week is called Fiji Week. It is a double anniversary as in 1874 King Seru Epenisa Cakobau ceded Fiji to the United Kingdom, an then in 1970 it regained its independence.

North Korea Party Foundation Day

This marks the 10th October 1945 foundation of the “Central Organising Committee of the Communist Party of North Korea”, known as the “North Korea Bureau of the Communist Party of Korea” in the West and considered a predecessor to the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. Ceremonies take place including song and dance, galas, speeches and a military parade.

World Mental Health Day

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10th October every year. It was celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. There is a theme every year, this year’s is “mental health for all”.