Holidays on 12th July

Kiribati Independence Day

Today marks the independence of Kiribati from the United Kingdom on 12th July 1979. It had been agreed a year earlier that it should become independent, and receive several other islands to form the Republic of Kiribati. On the same day it joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day

Today marks the day that Sao Tome and Principe gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The year before, the so-called Carnation Revolution in Portugal brought an end to its dictatorial regime and created a new approach to its overseas territories, and allowed them to gain independence.

The Twelfth

The twelfth is an Ulster Protestant celebration held on 12th July, celebrating the Glorious Revolution and victory of the Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne, which began the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland.

Large parades are held by the Orange Order and Ulster loyalist marching bands with streets bedecked with British flags and bunting, along with large towering bonfires being lit the night before on the 11th July. It is mainly a celebration in Ulster in Northern Ireland where it is a public holiday.

Naadam

Naadam is a traditional festival held in Mongolia, where Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery are held throughout the country during midsummer. This National holiday is held from 11th to the 13th July, with the biggest festival held in its capital Ulaanbaatar in the National Sports Stadium. It is celebrated on different dates in different regions of Mongolia.