This is the official national day of the territory. It commemorates its first sovereignty referendum of 1967, in which Gibraltarian voters were asked whether they wised to be under Spanish or British sovereignty, with institutions of self-government. They first held the national day on the 25th anniversary in 1992, when they couldn’t fit everyone into John Mackintosh Square to celebrate. Since then it has become a pubic holiday, moved to the larger Grand Casemates Square and then again in 1998 to the even larger Naval Ground.
Events include a children’s fancy dress competition, street parties, Gibraltarian songs and Medallion of Honours handed out by the Mayor as well as the reading of the Gibraltar National Day Declaration. Since 2007 there has been a verbena, and there is a fireworks display followed by a rock concert at night.
Holidays & Special Events 